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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-03-14Minutes of the Town Council meeting held Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers ofi the Municipal Building: There were present: Mayor: Jeffrey S. Worrell Council: Heather L. Steele, Gregory C. East, David L. Clark, H. M. Kidd, Joseph K. Goodman, James A. Radcliffe Staff: Shawn M. Utt, Town Manager David Warburton, Town Attorney Dave Quesenberry, Asst. to the Town Manager Patricia Cruise, Clerk of Council Gary Roche, Police Chief John White, Economic Development Director Pam Witten, Finance Director Bill Pedigo, Town Engineer Dave Hart Others: Lane Penn Betty Quesenberry Clark Payne Rhonda Seltz Mike Williams, The Patriot Mayor Worrell called the meeting to order at 7:00 p. m. Councilman Kidd led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Clark gave the Invocation. Councilman Clark moved to add a Closed Session under Virginia Code 2.2-3711, (A-7), Consult with legal counsel and briefings by staff, consultants and possible litigation. Councilman Radcliffe seconded the motion and carried on the following recorded vote: Heather L. Steele -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye David L. Clark -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Joseph K. Goodman -Aye James A. Radcliffe -Aye Mayor Worrell moved on to a Public Hearing for proposed Dalton Building ownership transfer. Dr. White explained that Harry Leeper had proposed to convey the Dalton Building to the Town as part of its downtown revitalization plan. He added that Mr. Leeper was requesting $17,000 be repaid to him for the new roof that was installed a few weeks ago that was critical to stabilizing the building, $5,000 to his realtor and property manager and his attorney's legal fees for a total of approximately $24,000. He noted that if the Town agreed to hold the building, the County IDA had agreed to fund these out of pocket costs for a period of time. He added that staff had also been working with West Main Street Development, LLC on their role in purchasing and managing the building as a hotel and eatery. He noted that West Main Street Development, LLC would reimburse the County IDA for all its costs plus 5%. Councilman Radcliffe stated that he had visited the Frances Marion hotel after it was rehabilitated and that it looked great. He wanted the Dalton Building to look great too. Councilman Goodman inquired whether the West Main Street Development, LLC had made an offer in writing? Mr. White responded yes. Page 1 of 4/June 3, 2014 At 7:13 p.m., Mayor Worrell opened the Public Hearing. There being no comments, the Hearing was closed. The next item on the agenda was Presentations. Mayor Worrell introduced Rhonda Seltz to give a presentation on a Partnership for Access to Healthcare. Ms. Seltz addressed Council about improving the access to health care for the New River Valley. She explained her work and asked that Council pass a Resolution to "close the coverage gap". Mayor Worrell thanked Ms. Seltz for her presentation. He noted that Council had already passed a Resolution and sent it the state legislature urging them to settle their differences and resolve the budget issue. He added that he felt in essence Council had already done what Ms. Seltz requested. The next item for consideration was the Consent Agenda. Councilman Kidd moved to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of the May 7, 2014 Town Council minutes Councilman Clark seconded the motion and carried on voice vote. Mayor Worrell moved on to Project Updates. The first item for consideration was Water Treatment Plant upgrades. Mr. Utt advised that the project was progressing well without major issues or delays. He noted that the Town recently took possession of the first of two generators from the Pepper's Ferry Water Treatment Plant and plans were being made to have it delivered and installed at the raw water pump station. Next, Mr. Utt reported on the tornado CDBG project. He advised that Town crews were on site completing a volunteer built house in time for the final compliance review visit. Regarding the wayfinding signage program, Mr. Utt advised that the Engineering department had been working on a wayfinding signage plan in an effort to increase visibility and to help folks who may not be from Pulaski to navigate the Town's street. He explained the maps included in the packet and asked Council for any feedback they might have. Councilman East suggested a sign for the Marketplace. Mr. Utt responded that since the Marketplace was seasonal, perhaps a sign could be created advertising the Train Station, with a sign hanging below that advertising the Marketplace. Council agreed. Mayor Worrell moved on to Old Business. The first item was Ordinance 2014-18, Virginia Stormwater Management Program. He noted that the Ordinance completed action requested by Council. Mr. Utt advised that a revised Ordinance 2014-18 had been placed at Council's dais. Mr. Quesenberry advised that the revised Ordinance included recent changes that were made by the Senate. Councilman Clark moved to adopt Ordinance 2014-18 as amended. Councilman East seconded the motion and carried on the following recorded vote: Page 2 of 4/June 3, 2014 Heather L. Steele -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye Joseph K. Goodman -Aye David L. Clark -Aye James A. Radcliffe -Aye Mayor Worrell moved on to Calfee Park financing options. Mr. Utt advised that a revised draft floor plan and cost estimate for the proposed work to be completed at the Calfee Park Visitor's locker room and umpire area had been included in the Council packet and another cost estimate had been placed at the dais. He explained to the citizens present that Council, at its last meeting, had decided that the Calfee Park project should remain within the $300,000 dollar range for the proposed work that needed to be done. He reviewed the floor plan options and options for financing for the project including the potential sale of surplus property at Loving Field, fundraising efforts and debt financing via a general obligation bond. He stressed that the general obligation bond was a last resort. Councilman Goodman encouraged Council to avoid the general obligation bond. He felt that the square footage should be increased to 750 square feet. Councilman East agreed with Councilman Goodman regarding the square feet. He stated that if the Town sold the Loving Field property, that some of the money be allocated to the undesignated fund. Councilman Goodman inquired whether staff had discussed creating a group like Friends of Peak Creek for the Calfee Park upgrade. He noted that if they were a 501 c-3, people could then get tax write offs. Following extensive discussion, Councilman Clark moved to direct staff to advertise a RFP for auctioneering services for the property at Loving Field. Councilman Kidd seconded the motion and carried on the following recorded vote: Heather L. Steele -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye Joseph K. Goodman -Aye David L. Clark -Aye James A. Radcliffe -Aye Councilman Worrell moved on to New Business. The first item was Resolution 2014-21, FY 2014-15 Budget Mr. Utt advised that the budget Resolution in the packet included the 2 items discussed at the last Council meeting: the capital lease payment for the police vehicles and the $25,000 request from the Marketplace. Councilman East commented that the Town Manager and staff had done an excellent job on the budget. Councilman Radcliffe agreed with Councilman East's comment. Councilman Clark moved to adopt Resolution 2014-21, Adopting a Budget Establishing Appropriations For The Town Of Pulaski, Virginia For The Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2014 and Ending June 30, 2015. Councilman Goodman seconded the motion and carried on the following recorded vote: Heather L. Steele -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye David L. Clark -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Joseph K. Goodman -Aye James A. Radcliffe -Aye Mayor Worrell moved on to Resolution 2014-22. Councilman Clark moved to adopt Resolution 2014-22, Approving The Five Year Capital Improvements Program For The Town Of Pulaski. Councilman Goodman seconded the motion and carried on the following recorded vote: Page 3 of4/June 3, 2014 Heather L. Steele -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye Joseph K. Goodman -Aye David L. Clark -Aye James A. Radcliffe -Aye The next item on the agenda was Joint Dispatch Board appointments. Mr. Utt advised that since the Joint Dispatch Operations agreement had been executed by the Town and County, the Town Council would need to appoint representatives to the governing board. He explained that the Town's representatives should include the Police Chief, Town Manager and an elected official. He noted that the elected official was a recommendation, not a requirement. He added that each member should have an appointed alternate. Following discussion, Councilman Clark moved to appoint the following to the Joint Dispatch governing board: Voting Member Shawn Utt, Town Manager Gary Roche, Police Chief Heather Steele, Councilwoman Alternate Bill Webb, Fire Chief Anthony Meredith, Captain Jeff Worrell, Mayor Councilman Goodman seconded the motion and carried on the following recorded vote: Heather L. Steele -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye David L. Clark -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Joseph K. Goodman -Aye James A. Radcliffe -Aye At 8:00 p.m., Councilman Kidd moved to enter into Closed Session for two items under Virginia Code 2.2-3711 (A-7), Consultation with legal counsels and briefing by staff, consultants and possible litigation. And for discussion of specific legal matters and matter subject to probable litigation regarding Town Attorney contract. Councilman Clark seconded the motion and carried on the following recorded vote: Heather L. Steele -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye David L. Clark -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Joseph K. Goodman -Aye James A. Radcliffe -Aye At 8:31 p.m., Council returned from Closed Session and adopted the Certification Resolution on motion by Councilman Clark, seconded by Councilman Kidd and carried on the following recorded vote: Heather L. Steele -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye David L. Clark -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Joseph K. Goodman -Aye James A. Radcliffe -Aye Councilman Clark moved to approve a one year contract with the Town Attorney and authorize the Mayor to execute said contract. Councilman Radcliffe seconded the motion and carried on the following recorded vote: Heather L. Steele -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye David L. Clark -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Joseph K. Goodman -Aye James A. Radcliffe -Aye At 8:33 p.m., Councilman Goodman moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Clark an carried voice vote. Approved:. Jeffrey S. Worrell, Mayor Page 4 of 4/June 3, 2014