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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-21-09Minutes of the Town Council Work Session held April 21, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. at the Senior Center in the Town of Pulaski. There were present: Jeffrey S. Worrell, Mayor Council: David L. Clark, Larry G. Clevinger 11, H. M. Kidd, Robert A. Bopp, Morgan Welker, Joel B. Burchett, Jr., (arrived at 5:20 p.m.) Staff: John J. Hawley, Town Manager R. D. Warburton, Town Attorney Patricia Cruise, Clerk of Council David N. Quesenberry, Asst. to the Town Manager Barbara Tate, Community Relations Director Bill Pedigo, Town Engineer John White, Economic Development Director Bill Webb, Fire Chief Gary Roche, Police Chief Sherry Boyd, Finance Director Dave Hart, Parks and Facilities Director Anthony Meredith, Police Captain John Goad, Chief Waterworks Operator Others: Ronald Hall Charles R. Bopp Tammy Parks Ava Stillwell Deidre Hall Joseph K. Goodman Melinda Williams, Press Mayor Worrell called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Councilman Welker moved to adopt the March 17, 2009 and March 30, 2009 Council minutes. The motion was seconded by Councilman Clark and carried on voice vote. Next, Mayor Worrell read aloud a Proclamation for Volunteer Recognition Week April 19-25, 2009 and presented it to Deidre Hall on behalf of R.S.V.P. The next item on the agenda was 2008 Excellence in Waterworks Award. Mayor Worrell read aloud a letter awarding the 2008 Excellence in Waterworks Award to the Town's Water Treatmeht Plant. He presented the letter to John Goad, Chief Operator for the Plant and advised that the official presentation of the award would take place in May. The next item on the agenda was Public Operations. The first item was Route 99/East Main Street. Mr. Hawley introduced Leo Rutledge and Tom DiGiulian from VDOT to discuss options with Council for the use of the Urban Construction Funds that have accumulated for the Town. Mr. Rutledge advised that he had spoken with the Town Manager regarding the amount of funding that would be required for the plans for the Route 99/East Main Street area. Since inflation had quickly outgrown the allocation of funds received from the state, he had suggested just building a segment of the project. He advised that the Town had April 21, 2009/Page 1 of 7 accumulated approximately 4.5 million dollars for the project. An additional $135,OOOto $150,000 a year is allocated in the upcoming six year plan. However, even with those funds, there was a shortfall of approximately twelve million dollars to build the project as originally envisioned. He hoped to ascertain whether conditions had changed over the years since the project was originally envisioned and then reprioritize and implement those changes into a reduced project utilizing the available funds. Mayor Worrell confirmed that the Town was approximately twelve million dollars short of funds needed to complete th project as originally envisioned. Additionally, that the Town was accumulating funds at the rate of approximately $150,000 per year. Mr. Rutledge confirmed both facts. Mr. DiGiulian interjected that last year the projections were considerably higher and they are still subject to change depending upon what happens with the budget. Mayor Worrell asked whether the Town would be responsible for the money that's already been spent if they decide not to go forward with the project? Mr. Rutledge responded that as long as they build something out there, the Town is not responsible for the monies previously spent. Mayor Worrell confirmed that the existing plans are not ready to go because of the changes that have occurred in the last few years. Mr. Rutledge responded that between the software changes and the fact that VDOT is not advertising any projects in metric, the existing plans are not usable. Discussion ensued regarding various scenarios for completing a portion of the project utilizing available funds. The consensus of Council was for staff to work with VDOT develop some opaions and bring them back to Council. Mayor Worrell moved on to South Washington wall mural. Tammy Parks, Art instructor from Pulaski County High School presented a mockup of a mural that could be painted on the wall on South Washington. Her students would draw and paint the mural. Additionally, she presented a mock up for tiles to be made by the students and applied to the side of the planters outside the Municipal Building. She encouraged the Town to invite citizens to help with the wall mural. Mr. Hawley advised that staff could distribute flyers inviting the citizens in the area to help with the mural and asked the press to put an article in the newspaper. The next item was Loving Field usage guidelines. Mayor Worrell reminded Council that included in the packet was a copy of the draft Loving Field usage guidelines. They included that the nitro powered planes would fly only two days per week, Tuesday and Saturday, from the hours of 10 am until dusk. The other days would be available for flying, but limited to electric engines only. The club is also to adhere strictly to the "dusk".rule so that members are packed up and gone from the prmperty each evening as soon as possible. April 21, 2009/Page 2 of 7 Mr. Hart advised that the club inquired into an inclement weather policy. Board of Supervisor, Charles R. Bopp inquired whether they would be restricted to their one landing strip? Mr. Hart responded in the affirmative. Mr. Bopp added that a large part of the problem had been the planes flying over other peoples property. Mr. Hart advised that they would probably extend beyond the parking lot. Mr. Bopp responded that a large issue was the safety hazards with the children in the area. Mr. Hart advised that when they originally were given permission to fly, they were told not to go over the ball fields. Reports have been received that they were flying over the ball fields. The group has stated that they will try to adhere to all of the rules. Mayor Worrell asked whether Council had any comments about the guidelines. Councilman Welker thought it was fine. Councilman Bopp opined that they should be restricted from flying over Town owned property such as the parking IOt and the fields. He commented that they had stated that they could stay within the boundaries given to them. Mr. Hart responded that they say they can, however there had been reports that they were not. Councilman Kidd suggested offering, with the County's permission, the old land fill on Cloyds Mountain. He felt that would be a better alternative than at the current location. Councilman Clark suggested including wording that an active search for an alternate location was in process and whin it was found, the group would move to that new location. Councilman Burchett inquired whether the guidelines included the ultra lite planes? Mr. Hawley advised that the discussions had focused on the model airplanes. The comment was made that once the ultra lites take off, they leave the area. Mr. Hawley responded that if the ultra lites are using the field, they should register with Mr. Hart. Board of Supervisor Bopp interjected if we're going to be moving the planes as soon as another site is located, why allow the ultra lites to start at all? He felt the issue would be coming back to Council in the future. Following extensive discussion, Mayor Worrell asked if Council wished to take any action? He stated that he felt that Board of Supervisor Bopp was correct, he felt the issue was not going to go away. Councilman Welker moved to apply the Loving Field use guidelines as presented, seconded by Councilman Burchett. April 21, 2009/Page 3 of 7 Mayor Worrell commented that he did not think Council would accomplish anything with this vote. He felt the issue was going to come right back to Council. He added that he was not sure why they wanted to fly in an area where they were unwelcome. The motion then carried on the following recorded vote: David L. Clark -Aye Larry G. Clevinger -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Joel B. Burchett, Jr. -Aye Robert Bopp -Aye Morgan P. Welker -Aye Councilman Burchett inquired whether Council was going to do anything with ultra lites, or since it wasn't an agenda item, not worry about it. Mr. Hawley advised that he felt that administratively, asign would be posted asking that they register with Dave Hart. Councilman Welker commented that he thought the registry was a good idea. That way, if a complaint came in, staff could check the registry to see who was flying that day and deal with the issue. Mayor Worrell moved onto review of economic incentives. Dr. White advised that a document had been included in the packet to start a discussion regarding economic incentives that could be offered. He added that while the document had been discussed with the Mayor and Town Manager, it needed more work and input from Council. Once Council reviewed the document, staff recommendation was that the document be referred to the IDA and the RHA for their discussion and input. Councilman Welker pointed out a typo in the document under Rehabilitated real estate benefit, desiened should read desienated, and staff advised they would correct it. Councilman Clark moved to refer the draft Incentives for Rehabilitation to the IDA and the RHA for review and input. Councilman Clevinger seconded the motion and so carried on the following recorded vote: David L. Clark -Aye Larry G. Clevinger -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Joel B. Burchett, Jr. -Aye Robert Bopp -Aye Morgan P. Welker -Aye The next item on the agenda was a proposed new fire lieutenant position. Fire Chief Webb addressed Council regarding a proposed new fire lieutenant position. He advised that this would provide a better day to day chain of command and a clear successor to one of the paid Fire Captains in the event of a long or short term absence. Mayor Worrell inquired whether the position would be implemented immediately or at the new fiscal year on July 1? Chief Webb responded that it could be done either way, as the minimal time left in this fiscal year would result in a very minimal increase in budget. Additionally, Chief Webb proposed several pay grade changes in the department. He reviewed the reasoning behind the changes needed in the department. Mr. White inquired whether there were other departmental changes that needed to be made within the Town system April 21, 2009/Page 4 of 7 1 u Mr. Hawley advised that he knew he needed to review two positions in his department and knew that other changes needed to be made in other departments. Discussion ensued regarding the merit in reviewing all the departments and making the necessary changes all at one time rather than piece meal versus the small amount involved in upgrading the Fire and Police Department's at this time. Mrs. Tate inquired whether the goal was to get all the employees to the top of their grade level within eight years. Mayor Worrell responded yes. Councilman Welker commented that we need to make sure the other departments are not forgotten in this upgrade. Mayor Worrell agreed. He commented that that there are other departments out there, all of which are under paid. Ms. Boyd inquired whether, if these pay increases were approved to begin during this budget, would they also receive any additional pay increase in July when the remainder of the employees received an increase? Following extensive discussion, Council decided to act on the new Lieutenant position in the Fire Department, but ndt to act on the grade changes at this time. Staff was asked to bring back costs to implement the proposed changes. Following extensive discussion, Councilman Clark moved to approve the new Lieutenant position in the Fire Department. Councilman Burchett seconded the motion and so carried on the following recorded vote: David L. Clark -Aye Joel B. Burchett, Jr. -Aye Larry G. Clevinger -Aye Robert Bopp -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Morgan P. Welker -Aye Mayor Worrell moved onto After Prom Party request. Mr. Hawley advised of a request for a donation to the After Prom Party committee. He added that this was not a budgeted item. Following discussion, Council chose not to act on the request. The next item on the agenda was a request for cemetery lots. Mayor Worrell advised of a request from a citizen for the donation of two cemetery lots in Oakwood Cemetery for members of her family who are veterans. Following discussion, Council did not grant the request opining that there were already state and federal cemeteries for veterans. Additionally, Mayor Worrell advised of an opening on the Cemetery Trust Committee and asked any interested parties to contact the Town. The next item on the agenda was waiver of yearly fee increase to County for fire services. April 21, 2009/Page 5 of 7 Mr. Hawley advised that he had received a request from the County Administrator to waive the two percent increase that the current fire services contract requires after 7-1-09. He added that the Town Attorney advised that a new contract would be needed if Council decides to waive the increase. It was noted that the amount under discussion was $675.70. Following discussion, Council took no action. Mayor Worrell moved on to update on the water meter installation. Mr. Pedigo demonstrated some of the new water meter equipment for Council and explained some of the features. Ms. Boyd added that when a customer questions their bills, they can check out equipment that will show them how much water they are using at any time. Mr. Pedigo advised that the meter installation project was almost complete. Councilman Clevinger inquired when the meters would begin reading in increments of 100? Ms. Boyd responded that she hoped to be able to implement that billing very soon. Mayor Worrell moved on to meter reinstallation fee for apartments. Mr. Hawley advised of some problems where renters move out of an apartment without paying their water bill. The service is disconnected for non-payment and the meter may be pulled. Rather than paying their bill and reconnection fee, they will turn the water back on themselves if the meter is not removed or locked. The fee to reestablish service is set at $100. There is no policy in place regarding whether the owner of the property should then be responsible for the $100 fee. Following extensive discussion, Councilman Clark moved to direct staff to prepare an Ordinance making the landlord responsible for the $100 reconnection fee on a pulled meter in the event the tenant moves out without paying. The motion was seconded by Councilman Burchett and carried on the following recorded vote: David L. Clark -Aye Larry G. Clevinger -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Joel B. Burchett, Jr. -Aye Robert Bopp -Aye Morgan P. Welker -Aye Mayor Worrell moved on to Council round table discussion. Councilman Welker commented that the wall being painted by the high school art class really looked nice. At 7:20 p.m., there being no further comments for the round table discussion, Councilman Bopp moved to enter into Closed Session under Virginia Code 2.2-37-11, (A-3), Acquisition of real property. The motion was seconded by Councilman Clark and carried on the following recorded vote: David L. Clark -Aye Larry G. Clevinger -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Joel B. Burchett, Jr. -Aye Robert Bopp -Aye Morgan P. Welker -Aye April 21, 2009/Page 6 of 7 1 At 7:50 p.m., Council returned from Closed Session and adopted the Certification Resolution on motion by Councilman Clevinger, seconded by Councilman Clark and carried on the following recorded vote: David L. Clark -Aye Joel B. Burchett, Jr. -Aye Larry G. Clevinger -Aye Robert Bopp -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Morgan P. Welker -Aye There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Jeffrey S. Worrell, Mayor Patricia Cruise, Clerk of Council r April 21, 2009/Page 7 of i Minutes of the Town Council Work Session held April 28, 2009 at 5:00 p.m., at the Senior Center in the Town of Pulaski. There were present: Jeffrey S. Worrell, Mayor Council: David L. Clark, Larry G. Clevinger II, H. M. Kidd, Robert A. Bopp, Morgan Welker, Joel B. Burchett,lr. (arrived at 5:15 p.m.) Staff: John J. Hawley, Town Manager Patricia Cruise, Clerk of Council David Quesenberry, Asst. to the Town Manager Barbara Tate, Community Relations Director John White, Economic Development Director Bill Webb, Fire Chief Gary Roche, Police Chief Sherry Boyd, Finance Director Dave Hart, Parks and Facilities Director Others: Clark Payne Melinda Williams Mayor Worrell called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. The fist item on the agenda was visioning/strategic planning. Dr. John White and Bill Webb reviewed the draft Pulaski Town Council 2029 Vision. No comments were received from Council. At 5:55 p.m., Council began the review of the water system and sewer budget. The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m. on motion by Councilman Clark, seconded by Councilman Kidd and carried on voice vote. Jeffrey S. Worrell, Mayor Patricia Cruise, Clerk of Council April 28, 09/Page 1 of 1