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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-03-181 r Minutes of the Pulaski Town Council meeting held at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 3, 2018 in the Council Chambers of the Town Municipal Building at 42 First Street, N.W. In attendance were: Mayor: Robert N. Glenn, presiding Councilmen Present: David L. Clark; Gregory C. East; Joseph K. Goodman; H.M. Kidd; Lane R. Penn; James A. Radcliffe Administration: Shawn M. Utt, Town Manager Nichole L. Hair, Deputy Town Manager Legal Counsel: Spencer A. Rygas, Town Attorney Press: Melinda Williams, Southwest Times Mike Williams, Pulaski County Patriot Staff Chief Robbie Kiser, P.F.D. Bill Pedigo, Town Engineer David Quesenberry, Clerk of Council Rebecca Reece, Finance Director Chief Gary Roche, P.P.D. Others Present: Vanessera Broadnax Brooks Dawson Ed Lawhorn 1. Call to Order Mayor Glenn called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Kaylee Corvin W. Carter Heflin 2.4. Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Radcliffe and the Invocation given by Councilman East. 4. Roll Call Following the Invocation, the roll was taken with all members present and a quorum for conducting business established. 5. Modification of Agenda Following roll call, Mayor Glenn called for a motion to modify the agenda under "New Business" to add Item 13e, Resolution 2018-18 "Local Government Education Week" and item 13f, "Municipal Building Security Cameras". The motion to modify the agenda was made by Mr. East, seconded by Mr. Goodman and approved on the following roll call vote: Mr. Radcliffe -Aye Mr. Goodman -Aye Mr. East -Aye Mr. Kidd -Aye Mr. Clark -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye 6. Welcome to Guests and Visitors Mayor Glenn welcomed guests and visitors to the meeting and requested Ms. Hair introduce a special guest. Ms. Hair introduced Ms. Kaylee Corvin, a student enrolled at the Governor's School who had been Page 1 of 8/April 3, 2018 interning with the Town once a week. Ms. Corvin she said, had been learning about different aspects of local government operations as part of her own interest in local government and associated careers. Mayor Glenn welcomed Ms. Corvin to the meeting. 7. Presentations a. New River Valley Rail Next item on the agenda was an update on the New River Valley Rail 2020 initiative by Mr. Ed Lawhorn, a member of the New River Passenger Rail Steering Committee. Referring to a Power Point presentation, Mr. Lawhorn noted that since the initiation of passenger rail service in Roanoke in 2017, organizations and local governments in the New River Valley (NRV) began an effort to extend the service to the NRV. Passenger rail service he continued, appeared to be a reasonable alternative to connect the NRV to the large urban areas of the Northeast to get access to the economic, educational and cultural opportunities of that region. In addition, rail travel was becoming an acceptable form of transportation, given the congestion on the interstate system and the ability of rail travel to hit the "sweet spot", trip distances between 200 and 600 miles, which were too long for auto travel but too short or too costly for air travel. Critical in the effort to get passenger rail, he said, was the establishment of partnerships between public, private and governmental entities. Regarding local partnerships, Mr. Lawhorn highlighted the cooperative efforts between NRV local governments, Virginia Tech, Radford University, local and federal legislators, and private groups such as Onward NRV and local chambers of commerce. Regarding the potential for passenger rail service in the NRV, Mr. Lawhorn reviewed the findings of a Market Demand Study, which estimated a strong demand for service of 40,000 trips per year. The key to maintaining service to the NRV was student ridership from the Valley's 40,000 college students. Proposed operational studies to address infrastructure would consist of a track survey, funded by a $350,000 appropriation to the Va. Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and a Norfolk Southern study to determine operational feasibility and infrastructure improvements for passenger service. With respect to the potential location for a stop in the NRV, Mr. Lawhorn told Council that locational studies had identified three locations, two in Christiansburg and one in Radford, where a potential facility might be located. The best location seemed to be at the Aquatics Center in Christiansburg which offered the best central location in terms of population, roads, and available land. Concerning future steps in obtaining passenger rail service, Mr. Lawhorn said a key issue was how a passenger facility would be owned, operated and managed. A study was underway by NPO to address this question. In conclusion, Mr. Lawhorn mentioned several ways that the persons could support the effort for passenger service and expressed appreciation for the Town's support. Mr. Goodman asked where a connection would be made past Roanoke and had efforts been made to build relationships with other areas such as Georgia and South Carolina. Mr. Lawhorn mentioned that a group in Bristol had at one time engaged in similar activities for passenger service, but apparently were not as active. One potential problem he mentioned, was that past Christiansburg there was a need for a crew change, which Amtrak seemed reluctant to address. While a passenger service "loop" had been proposed from Washington, D.C. through the South and back, there remained many logistical issues. Page 2 of 8/April 3, 2018 Mr. Goodman asked if the Governor had lent his support to the effort. Mr. Lawhorn responded that officials from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transport had been very helpful and supportive. Mayor Glenn stated that the Town supported the initiative given the importance of rail service to the local economy. The presence of students from Northern Va. at local universities he said, should result in extraordinary ridership. He thanked Mr. Lawhorn for his work and the presentation. 9. Public Comment Period Mrs. Vanessera Broadnax of 73 4th Street, N.W. addressed Council concerning the problem of animal waste being deposited by pets on properties, parking lots and right of ways adjacent to her residence. She requested that a pet waste station be placed in the area to assist in alleviating the problem. Mrs. Broadnax expressed concern over the cost of a station, but was told by Mr. Utt that the cost was not prohibitive and would be approximately $250. She also offered to place "No Trespassing" signs to help with the problem, since the signs placed by church members on their parking lot were ignored. Mayor Glenn asked for the specific location of the problem. Mrs. Broadnax replied it was the church parking lot at the corner of Jefferson Ave. and 4th Street and the Courtview Alley. Following a brief discussion of the source and extent of the issue, Mr. Utt suggested a two -prong approach to the problem. Mrs. Broadnax would contact the Presbyterian Church and the Town would install the waste station after consulting with the church. Mr. Rygas advised the Council that an offense involving animal waste would be hard to prosecute unless someone saw the incident. He felt that a dog park would have the same problem and added that the Town needed to be consistent with its message that certain behaviors were expected. When this was done, the citizens could be empowered to assist with enforcement. Mayor Glenn then thanked Mrs. Broadnax for her comments and her concerns. Mr. East requested that the issue of a dog park be placed on a future agenda. Mr. Goodman suggested to Mr. Utt that possibly two waste stations be placed at the location in question. 10. Consent Agenda a. Consideration of March 6, 2018 Council Meeting Minutes Mr. Kidd moved that Council adopt the minutes of the March 6, 2018 meeting as written. The motion was seconded by Mr. Clark and approved by a unanimous voice vote. 11. Project Updates a. Project Review Mr. Utt noted that the Brookmont issue would be rolled into a report concerning a grant application later in the meeting. He reported to Council that the total amount of delinquent real estate taxes collected by the Finance Department now totaled $105,000. Work on the Senior Center he continued, was 60%-70% complete with work continuing on rainy days. With respect to the basketball -skateboard park, Draper Aden had the revised concept plan which they were pricing out to prepare grant applications to the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Brownsfield Fund. Mr. Utt told Council that he hoped to fund the lion's share, if not the entire project, with grant funding. Committee memberships he added would be addressed later in the meeting but there was a need to get more citizens involved. Mr. Radcliffe asked about the status of the VuhVanagon site. Mr. Utt responded that a site plan had been submitted and some issues were being finalized. The Town had also hosted some enforcement departments (DEQ) for tours of the site. Mr. Goodman asked if there had been any feedback from those departments. Mr. Utt replied that as yet there had been none. Page 3 of 8/April 3, 2018 Mr. Goodman asked about the deadline for a final site plan. Mr. Pedigo responded that the applicant had 45 days. Mr. Goodman asked for clarification if that was 45 days from each modification or from a final deadline. Mr. Pedigo said the owner had 45 days to resubmit. Mr. East asked about the response time from DEQ. Mr. Utt responded that it might be autumn but he was not sure of a definite date. Mr. East ventured that the Town could not approve a site plan without DEQ's feedback. Mr. Utt responded that the stormwater and E&S plan were based on the Erosion and Sediment Control guidelines and if those guidelines were met, the Town would have to approve the plan. The approval could be revoked but he was not sure if approval could be held up, since the Town had its own timelines. Mr. Utt said the Town would maintain close contact with DEQ and EPA and work with the site plan. Mr. East requested that weekly updates be provided on the Vuhvanagon matter. Mr. Utt replied that he could add it to the weekly summary. Mr. Goodman asked if there had been updates or movement on the Magnox site. Mr. Utt replied that EPA had signed off on their part. Work on the structures had hit some roadblocks due to staff turnover at the Town, but the Town had gone to the state concerning the demolition of the remaining buildings. Mr. Utt ventured that a review would be needed as to what was done and a determination made by the Town Attorney to proceed forward (in light of past work) or to restart the process. Mr. Goodman expressed frustration that every entrance to the Town had an eyesore and that there had been little progress resolving any of them. He requested updates on the Magnox, hospital, and Vuhvanagon areas. The old hospital in particular he continued was not just an eyesore but a danger. Mr. Utt responded that the Town had boarded the structure up where it was accessible from the ground and lock -chained entrances. He added that updates on all three areas could be added to the weekly report, but cautioned Council that there may be weeks where there was no update provided. Mr. Goodman suggested incorporating actions on the properties into the 30/60/90 Goals. Mr. East recalled that some inroads had been made on the hospital. Ms. Hair replied that she had made contact with the owner. Mr. Radcliffe asked how the owner of Vuhvanagon could put vans at a small apartment building located on Route 11. Ms. Hair responded that the property was also owned by the same person that owned the vans. b. Review of Short -Term Goals Mr. Utt reported, regarding the wayfinding signage, that Ms. Hair would be working with the Downtown group to lead the effort for the parking lot signage and banners. In addition he noted that work on the sign at the "triangle" was in progress. Mr. Utt informed Council that the landscaping plan timetable for completion was questionable since VDOT had not responded regarding the Route 99 landscaping, which the Town had hoped to continue into the Town limits. He ventured that the Town may have to use another approach. On the Peak Creek walls, Mr. Utt told Council that things were in place for the "Silver Jackets" program to commence on July 1st. Some "Jersey Barriers" were to be placed along the creek wall to divert excess water for the short term. The weather however had delayed the work, which was still on the schedule to be done. Mr. Utt reported that work on the Senior Center was 60%-70% complete. Mr. East asked if the completion date for the Senior Center was still valid. Mr. Utt felt the date of May 1 It was close as did Mr. Pedigo. Mr. East asked about the status of the Town's website given different dates in the progress updates for completion. Mr. Utt replied that the July 1st date was more accurate due to the staff turnover at the Page 4 of 8/April 3, 2018 company. Town staff had been working with the vendor on the colors and general layout for each page of the new site. Mr. Radcliffe asked if some consideration had been given to a guardrail or steel poles to protect the new sign at the "triangle". He didn't want it to take away from the sign's appearance, but felt the sign would be hit by a vehicle. Mr. Utt responded that there could be something creative done and felt that the sign's footers were quite substantial with respect to collisions, although the sign itself might suffer damage. In a related matter, Mayor Glenn said he had a request from a citizen asking if the town could widen the curbing on the east bound lanes at the "triangle" since there was a narrowing of the lanes at that location. He also mentioned a similar problem with the west bound lanes going into the curve, which contributed to vehicles jumping the curb. Mr. Kidd added that the Town was putting up a nice sign at the "triangle", but the appearance of the building behind it left something to be desired. Mr. Utt said he would like to incorporate the building into the mural project, to which the building's owner was receptive. 12. Old Business There were no items considered under this topic. 13. New Business a. Update on the Marketplace Ms. Hair provided a brief update on the Marketplace, which would begin on May 15, 2018 through August 28, 2018, and be open every Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Outreach for the Marketplace would incorporate the new branding for the Town through social media and other means. With respect to vendors, there were commitments from six returning vendors, with five returning vendors filing applications and two new vendors that were completing their applications. To assist in recruiting new vendors, the Town allowed them to have their place for the first market date free of charge. The first Tuesday of the month would feature a "Chef Showcase" by a local chef performing a cooking demonstration. On the fourth Tuesday of the month, there would be a food truck and live entertainment, while the middle two Tuesdays would focus on the vendors but also incorporate other events such as `Mountains of Music Homecoming"; a celebration of Veterans for Independence Day on July 3rd; a Healthcare night on July 10th; and a Back -to -School Celebration that had been incorporated at the request of the school system. A request had been placed for Virginia Tech interns with two colleges at the school. Interviews with applicants were scheduled to begin next week. In addition, negotiations were underway for a part-time market manager that was experienced in operating a successful market to bring in new vendors and take the event to the next level. Partnerships had also been established with organizations such as the Fine Arts Center; Friends of Peak Creek, the Pulaski Theater and the Ratcliffe Museum. The partnerships would allow these organizations an opportunity to recruit volunteers, raise funds, and promote their efforts. Mr. Goodman suggested that the Humane Society be included with the non-profit groups. Ms. Hair responded that there could be other options, perhaps having a non-profit booth and rotating it through different groups. Mr. East said he noticed there were eleven vendors returning and asked how many were there last year. Ms. Hair responded that there were seven or eight according to records and that efforts would continue to secure others from the community. Page 5 of 8/April 3, 2018 C Mayor Glenn asked Ms. Hair if she had talked to the Chamber or any vendors about the "buy back" program done last year. Ms. Hair responded she was working on some concepts and ideas with respect to that issue. Mr. East asked about the long-term plan as far as management goes given the size of the task. Ms. Hair said that in talking with market managers, she learned that a good farmer's market is a self-sustaining market with the vendors essentially running the program with a part-time staff person assisting. Mr. East asked if she thought the Marketplace could be tied back into Main Street. Ms. Hair replied that probably in the long-term, the part-time staff would be in some way under the Main Street group. b. Resolution 2018-16, Appointing Representatives to Various Boards Mr. Utt reviewed the resolution for Council which would: re -appoint Mr. Utt to another term at Virginia's First; appoint Ms. Hair as alternate to that group; and re -appoint Mr. Hale to the Housing Authority. Mr. Goodman moved that Council adopt Resolution 2018-16 "Appointments to the Virginia' First Authority and the Housing Authority" as written. The motion was seconded by Mr. Penn and approved on the following roll call vote: Mr. Radcliffe -Aye Mr. Goodman -Aye Mr. East -Aye Mr. Kidd -Aye Mr. Clark -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye c. Committee Membership Report Mr. Utt reviewed the summary prepared by the Clerk of Council regarding vacancies on the committees listed in the report. A search for an architect for the Architectural Review Board he reported was not successful, but it might be possible to find a developer with historic re -development experience. Vacancies were noted on the Board of Zoning Appeals (3 vacancies), the Housing Authority (3 vacancies) and the Greater Pulaski Alliance (GPA) (1 vacancy). With respect to the four vacancies on the Housing Board of Adjustment and Appeals, there was an option of partnering with another locality (e.g. Pulaski County) which would require an agreement. Mr. Utt concluded his review, telling Council that a press release would be issued the following day to seek citizens interested in serving on these boards. Mr. East asked if GPA was a 501 c (3) entity. Mr. Utt replied that the last time he checked they had renewed it, but he would have to find out. Mr. East said he did not favor the Town being represented on a group that was not a 501 c (3). Mr. Goodman asked if GPA still met. Ms. Hair replied that they currently were not meeting and were deciding as to whether or not to disband. Mr. Goodman said the Town would need an answer on that before making an appointment. d. Virginia Department of Health Grant Opportunity Mr. Utt said that given the notices of violation received by the Town and the County concerning the levels of haloacetic acid (HAAS) in water samples, the Town had a prepared a grant application for $1.78 million. The project anticipated for the grant funds would be to remove the Pleasant Hill tank and do an interconnection between two pressure zones giving relief to the HAAS issue for Veteran's Hill. He hoped that the notice of violations for the Town and the County would give the Town enough points to turn the projected work into a grant request. Resolution 2018-17 would authorize both the grant application and the manager to sign the required documents. He noted the resolution ratified the application which had to be submitted by April 1St. The Health Department he observed, given the notice of violations, had expected the Town to submit something to address the problem. Page 6 of 8/April 3, 2018 1 1 Mr. Goodman moved to adopt Resolution 2018-17, "Resolution Authorizing a Grant Application to the Virginia Department of Health." The motion was seconded by Mr. East and approved on the following roll call vote: Mr. Radcliffe -Aye Mr. Goodman -Aye Mr. East -Aye Mr. Kidd -Aye Mr. Clark -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye e. Local Government Education Week Mr. Utt said there was a statewide effort through the Virginia Municipal League to encourage a greater presence of local government in the educational area. The resolution he added would be shared with the School Board. Mr. Goodman moved to adopt Resolution 2018-18 "Resolution Proclaiming the Week of April 1-7 as Local Government Education Week". The motion was seconded by Mr. Kidd and approved on the following roll call vote: Mr. Radcliffe -Aye Mr. Goodman -Aye Mr. East -Aye Mr. Kidd -Aye Mr. Clark -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye f. Municipal Building Security Cameras Mr. Utt reported that a recent security review recommended the addition of cameras on the outside to secure the exterior doors. The quote included in the packet was from the County IT department because the monitoring of the cameras would be done from the Dispatch Center at the Sheriff's Office which required the cameras needed to be compatible with their equipment. Mr. Goodman asked if the quote was not sent out for bid. Mr. Utt responded that all he had was the quote from the County. Mr. Goodman felt the price ($10,200) for the three cameras was excessive. Chief Roche commented that the job required removing one camera, pulling the cable for the remaining cameras; using new high resolution cameras capable of identifying individuals, and installing a monitor at the backdoor of the Police Department. Mr. Goodman felt it would be best to go out for bid using the procurement process and did not agree with allowing someone else to pick the price. Mr. Goodman then moved that the Council deny the application until three quotes were brought back. Mr. Radcliffe seconded the motion, which was approved on the following roll call vote: Mr. Radcliffe -Aye Mr. Goodman -Aye Mr. East -Aye Mr. Kidd -Aye Mr. Clark -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye 14. Closed Session Mayor Glenn then moved to the Closed Session (Item 14). However, Mr. Kidd asked when a combination lock was placed on the stairwell. Mr. Utt replied that it was done shortly after a security review for access control. Mr. Goodman said he did not favor the locks feeling that it told visitors that they had to take the elevator. He felt that the municipal building was the "people's building" and that there might be better ways to do this. Mr. Utt responded that people coming out of the elevator have access to a person who can direct them within the building. Chief Roche added that the location was also under surveillance. Mr. Goodman requested to see the results of the security analysis. Page 7 of 8/April 3, 2018 Mayor Glenn then called for a motion to go into Closed Session under (1) Virginia Code 2.2-3711, (A) 3, discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property for a public purpose, or of the disposition of publicly held real property, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body for one (1) item regarding a S. Washington Avenue property; and (2) Virginia Code 2.2-3711, (A) 7, Consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff members or consultants pertaining to actual or probable litigation, where such consultation or briefing in open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture of the public body for one (1) item regarding a franchise agreement. Mr. Goodman moved to enter Closed Session for the two items. The motion was seconded by Mr. Kidd and approved on the following roll call vote: Mr. Radcliffe -Aye Mr. Goodman -Aye Mr. East -Aye Mr. Kidd -Aye Mr. Clark -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye Council entered Closed Session at 8:17 p.m. Council returned from Closed Session at 8:27 p.m. Mayor Glenn asked for a certification motion that Council discussed only one item under Va. Code 2.2- 3711 (A) 3 concerning acquisition of real property or disposition of public property in reference to property on S. Washington Avenue and one item under Va. Code 2.2-3711 (A) 7 consultation with legal counsel regarding a franchise agreement. Mr. Goodman made the motion, which was seconded by Mr. Radcliffe and approved on the following roll call vote: Mr. Radcliffe -Aye Mr. Goodman -Aye Mr. East -Aye Mr. Kidd -Aye Mr. Clark -Aye Mr. Penn -Aye 15. Reminder of Future Council Meetings and Adjournment After a review of upcoming meetings, Mayor Glenn called for a motion to adjourn. The motion was made by Mr. Goodman, seconded by Mr. Kidd and approved by unanimous voice vote of the Council at 8:29 p. M. Approved: Ro ert N. Glen Mayor ATTEST: David N. Quesenberry Clerk of Council 1 Page 8 of 8/April 3, 2018