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Home My WebLink About12-21-211 1 Town Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday December 21, 2021 1. Mayor called the Meeting to Order at 5:30 p.m. and asked for a roll call. Lane Penn Aye Books R. Dawson Aye Gregory C. East Aye James A. Radcliffe Aye G. Tyler Clontz Aye Michael P. Reis Aye Also present were Darlene Burcham , Town Manager and Spencer Rygas Town Attorney. 2. Mayor asked for a motion to go into closed session for the following items: VA code 2.2-3711 (A) 5- Discussion of a prospective business or industry where no previous announcement has been made. VA code 2.2-3711 (A) 8 -Consultation with legal counsel regarding specific legal matter requiring legal advice by such counsel. There were 2 modifications to the closed session requested by Mrs. Burcham which Mr. Reis made the motion to add, seconded by Mr. East. Motion was made by Mr. Penn to go into closed session, seconded by Mr. East Lane Penn Aye James A. Radcliffe Aye Books R. Dawson Aye G. Tyler Clontz Aye Gregory C. East Aye Michael P. Reis Aye 6:30 p.m. Roll call Public Session Lane Penn Aye James A. Radcliffe Aye Books R. Dawson Aye G. Tyler Clontz Aye Gregory C. East Aye Michael P. Reis Aye 3. Certification of Closed Session. The Mayor requested a certification motion which was made by Mr. East, seconded by Mr. Penn that only the following items were discussed: VA code 2.2-3711 (A) 5- Discussion of prospective business or industry where no previous announcement has been made. VA code 2.2-3711 (A) 8 -Consultation with legal counsel regarding specific legal matter requiring legal advice by such counsel. The motion was approved on the following roll call vote. Lane Penn Aye James A. Radcliffe Aye Books R. Dawson Aye G. Tyler Clontz Aye Gregory C. East Aye Michael P. Reis Aye Page 1 of 5 There was two (2) modification to the Public Session. Ordinance 2021-31 Amending 34-64 Chapter 34, Community Development of the Town of Pulaski VA Code of Ordinances. Ordinance 2021-59 Recognition and Dedication of Ms. Darlene Burcham 50years of service. Mr. Dawson made a motion to add 2 items to the agenda which Mr. East seconded. Lane Penn Aye Books R. Dawson Aye Gregory C. East Aye James A. Radcliffe Aye G. Tyler Clontz Aye Michael P. Reis Aye 4. Mayor Welcomed Guests and Visitors. 5. Consent Agenda: Motion was made by Mr. East to approve the minutes of December 7, 2021 seconded by Mr. Reis. Lane Penn Aye James A. Radcliffe Aye Books R. Dawson Aye G. Tyler Clontz Abstain Gregory C. East Aye Michael P. Reis Aye 6. Presentations: FY 2021Audit Emily Viers - of Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates. Mrs. Viers presented the Audit for the Town of Pulaski, and reported how well the Town has done this year given the staff changes and the pandemic, noting that there were no audit findings and the find balance increase by $1.54 million. Brady Deal discussed how the plans were going with the new skatepark with installation anticipated in the spring. Brady noted additional costs be incurred for fencing and lighting around the park with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. Brady met with business and community residents recently on the comp plan and received support for additional outdoor amenities. He shared that staff is looking into a mountain bike trail which would be an addition to the NRV Trail already in use. Another idea under consideration is a splash pad park at the Cool Springs site. Mrs. Burcham interjected several times during the presentation that additional staff resources would be needed to accomplish these items. 7. Public Hearing: Ordinance 2021-30 Case 2021-1ISE-A request for Exception by Bimmerworld Properties LLC Light Industrial Use, Industry Type 1, for property located at 1000 Memorial Drive. Mr. Deal made the report on behalf ofthe Planning Commission and reported its unanimous recommendation for approval. A representative from Bimmerworld spoke on behal I'of the company. Mayor opened the Public Hearing. There were no speakers. Page 2 of 5 1 1 r-, Mayor closed the Public Hearing. A motion was made by Mr. Radcliffe to approve the Special Exception, seconded by Mr. East. Lane Penn Aye James A. Radcliffe Aye Books R. Dawson Aye G. Tyler Clontz Abstain Gregory C. East Aye Michael P.Reis Aye S. Resolution 2021-56 Appropriation: Mrs. Burcham indicated these funds were from DHCD to complete the downtown grant. A motion was made by Mr. Ries, seconded by Mr. Dawson to approve. Lane Penn Aye Books R. Dawson Aye Gregory C. East Aye James A. Radcliffe Aye G. Tyler Clontz Aye Michael P. Reis Aye 9. Resolution 2021-57- Personnel Policy Manual: Mrs. Burcham explained the recommended changes. A motion was made by Mr. Dawson, seconded by Mr. East to approve the amendments on holiday pay and service awards. Lane Penn Aye Books R. Dawson Aye Gregory C. East Aye James A. Radcliffe Aye G. Tyler Clontz Aye Michael P. Reis Aye 10. Resolution 2021-58 -Meals Tax Incentive Policy: Mrs. Burcham recommended the meals tax incentive to expand food businesses in the downtown area. A motion was made by Mr. East, seconded by Mr. Radcliffe to approve the meals tax incentive policy. Lane Penn Aye Books R. Dawson Aye Gregory C. East Aye James A. Radcliffe Aye G. Tyler Clontz Aye Michael P. Reis Aye 11. Resolution 2021-59- Recognizing the 50 Years of Public Service by Darlene Burcham. Mayor Collins presented Mrs. Burcham with a plaque thanking her for her many years of service. Mr. Dawson made a motion to approve Resolution 2021-59, seconded by Mr. Reis. Lane Penn Aye Books R.Dawson Aye Gregory C.East Aye 12. Council Comments: James A. Radcliffe Aye G. Tyler Clontz Aye Michael P. Reis Aye Page 3 of 5 1 Mr. Dawson asked for an explanation of the qualifications for the meals tax incentive. Mrs. Burcham indicated it would be offered to new businesses opening after 7/ 1/21in the Commercial Historic District. Mr. East mentioned the Peak Creek water testing that was taking place with the Bio Systems Engineer at Virginia Tech and that their findings would be presented on January 6th at the Train Station, which would open up the opportunity for federal funding of improvements. Mrs. Burcham said she would try to arrange for someone to record this meeting to give town people a chance to see the results. Mr. Radcliffe thanked the staff and Mrs. Burcham for all their work during a very difficult year. Mr. Reis, asked about the replacement of the all the playground equipment and noted that might be beneficial to have a staff person to oversee the parks. The Mayor stated that town people were asking about replacing the picnic benches at Gatewood Park, and also leaving the holiday lights up in recognition of all the health care professionals . 13. Manager's Report -The Legislative Appreciation Dinner that is sponsored by the Pulaski Chamber of Commerce is being held February 1st, the same night as the first council meeting in February, suggesting that the meeting be moved to February 3rct. Mrs. Burcham asked her department heads to identify their 3 proudest moments in 2021 and shared their comments. Bill Pedigo, cited the Brookmont issue being resolved and being close to final design; and the Hardie Direct Project being finalized. He also mentioned the replacement of the last filter and other improvements at the filter plant, as well as all storage tanks being painted inside and out. All these items are being funded through ABPA. Kim Caudell, reported we had hired a very capable water and sewer superintendent. Fire Chief Robbie Kiser was happy to say there were no serious injuries, that 700 calls were run with very little value loss. ARPA funds were used to purchase an all -terrain vehicle to help respond to emergencies in remote areas. Jill Niece mentioned the transition that she and the department have experienced and the fact that we have recruited and filled positions with recruits starting at the academy in January. She also mentioned the canine program that is off to a resounding start as the Community Resource officer is getting the police department and town residents more involved with each other. With the leadership and assistance of Jackie Reid (HR), personnel are taking advantage of the various retirement options, direct deposit and pay cards for employees. Finance Director Jackie Morris stated we survived a very crazy and eventful year. Our code enforcement officer Carla Hodge, identified the demo of the old store building on Randolph Ave and the clean up of the old dilapidated building on S. Washington as proud moments. All in all we have successfully implemented many new projects and activities in 2021. Reminder of Future Meetings and Adjournment: Council Work Session; January 18th, 2022. Closed Session 5:00 p.m.; Public Session 6:30 p.m. There being no further business the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:16 p.m. Page 4 of 5 Approved: Attest: / W. Shannon Collins Mayor David Quesenberry Clerk of Council 1 1 Page 5 of 5