Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-02-22Town Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, August 2, 2022 1. Mayor called the Meeting to Order at 6:00 p.m. and asked for a roll call. Lane R. Penn- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye Mayor Collins- Aye 2. Mayor asked for a motion to go into Closed Session to discuss the following items: a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (1 item)- Discussion of a personnel matter b. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 7 (I item)- Consultation with legal counsel The motion was made by Mr. Penn and seconded by Mr. Reis. Open Session Lane R. Penn- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye 7:00 p.m. 3. Certification of Closed Session- The Mayor asked for a motion to certify that only the following items were discussed: a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (1 item)- Discussion of personnel matter b. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 7 (1 item)- Consultation with legal counsel The Motion was made by Mr. Penn and seconded by Mr. East Lane R. Penn- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye 4. Mr. Penn lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 5. Mr. East gave the invocation. 6. Modification of Public Session- No modifications were made. 7. Guests and Visitors- The mayor welcomed all in attendance and viewing online. 8. Public Hearing- The Mayor reminded all speakers of the three-minute time limit when delivering their remarks and stated that only one speaker may speak at one time. a. Case 2022-24ZA Adding Funeral Homes and/or Crematories to B-2 Zoning District- Ordinance 2022-12 Trey Peace reported that the Town initiated a zoning amendment at the request of a citizen to allow funeral homes and/or crematories in the B-2 Zoning District. Currently crematories are allowed in the B-1 Limited Business District. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the zoning amendment. Page 1 of 7 August 2, 2022 The mayor opened and closed the public hearing as there were no comments. A motion was made by Mr. Penn and seconded by Mr. East to approve the ordinance. Lane R. Penn- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye b. Case 2022-06ZA Changing the setbacks for townhouse development regulations to conform with residential setbacks- Ordinance 2022-13 Trey Peace presented Council with a recommendation from the Planning Commission to amend Section 4.4.2-1 in the R-3 District to adjust the minimum setback requirements for townhomes. The amendment will allow the Town to have more diverse housing stock as the setbacks will no longer be restrictive for townhomes. The Planning Commission's vote was unanimous in favor of the amendment. The Mayor opened and closed the public hearing as there were no comments. A motion was made by Mr. Clontz and seconded by Mr. Reis to approve the ordinance. Lane R. Penn- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye c. Case 2022-05SE Special Exception Request for Mainspring Recovery Center - Ordinance 2022-14 Trey Peace presented the special exception request from Mainspring Recovery Center for the use of the property as a "Hospital or health center", specifically as an "alcohol, substance abuse, and drug treatment center" in the R-1 Single Family Residential District. The center will have a capacity of 50 beds in 17 rooms with each room housing three patients. Mainspring Recovery Center will operate 24/7 and will accept admissions Monday through Friday from 9a.m. to 7p.m. They will serve patients 18 years and older within a 60 -70 -mile radius. The center will only accept voluntary admissions. This will be Mainspring Recovery Center's second operation, the first being scheduled to open in Dumfries, VA at the end of 2022. The Planning Commission's motion to approve the special exception failed on a 2-3 vote. Page 2 of 7 August 2, 2022 The Mayor opened the public hearing. Karen Cohen with Gentry Locke Law firm in Richmond, VA explained the zoning ordinance to the public and the special exception uses. Ms. Cohen explained the details of the Planning Commission meeting and the concerns the residents had in that meeting along with solutions to their concerns. Ms. Cohen told Council this center would not be a methadone clinic, but is what the zoning ordinance calls a "hospital or health center", which includes substance use disorder treatment facilities. David Hagan, property owner explained the special exception was approved for Lewis Gale in 1993, also zoned R- 1. He spoke on the need for this program, being a voluntary inpatient facility rather than a daily maintenance program. Mr. Hagan mentioned he recently sold property for a similar program which did not need a special exception approval because it met their zoning guidelines. Mr. Hagan spoke briefly on the additional care that could be given by Lewis Gale with the buildings being adjacent to each other. Yitzy Halon, Chief Executive Officer of Mainspring Recovery Center gave his personal history with treatment centers, the positive side of his experience with these types of facilities and how he came about the idea for Mainspring. Mr. Halon briefly spoke on the first center, opening in Dumfries VA in a renovated hotel, with 75 beds and how Pulaski was chosen based on overdose statistics, with a lower population in the area and high overdose rates. Lisa Dehorty, Chief Operating Officer, gave her history with addiction treatment, as well as education and career history. Ms. Dehorty presented council with a presentation handout which included Mainspring's values, Virginia's statistics in fatal overdoses, the treatment facilities and population for both Virginia and Maryland, services Mainspring provides, a draft of a patient's daily schedule, discharge planning, and their accreditation. She also addressed concerns from residents that attended the Planning Commission meeting regarding security, competition with Lewis Gale, increased road and foot traffic in the area, and how this center would benefit the community. D.L. Dworschak of Monte Vista Drive spoke regarding the need for this type of facility but that this is not the best location with elementary and middle schools within miles of the center and the residential neighborhood and rehab facility in close proximity to the center. Ernie Wallace of Pleasant Hill shared his concerns regarding the zoning regulations, asking If this area is rezoned, will this bring more businesses to the residential area that may open the door to devaluing properties. Mr. Wallace also addressed the concern for the lack of staffing and appropriate training of staff members; also, the concern for absentee owners. Page 3 of 7 August 2, 2022 Jane Macadoo of Pleasant Hill noted her concerns, having experience working in healthcare, and this facility not having a healthcare or substance use foundation. She stated Mainspring isn't accredited and the fact their first facility isn't operating yet is a red flag. Ms. Macadoo brought up the reimbursement from insurance companies in that 80% of their patients will be eligible for Medicaid which will allow a higher reimbursement rate than private insurance. She stated at the Planning Commission meeting the issue of having security was brought into question and they did not have adequate answers for the resident's concerns. Ms. Macadoo addressed the living situation for patients, as it is not ideal to share a room with other patients also withdrawing from substance abuse. Tracy McAfee of Pleasant Hill spoke saying this form of facility is needed but there were concerns with the location and decreasing the property values of property owners. Susan McAfee of Pleasant Hill stated the biggest concern was the location in close proximity to an elementary school, a pharmacy, and senior based community. She suggested a quiet remote location for these patients to destress and enjoy the peaceful environment would be preferred. Myrtle Scott of Pleasant Hill spoke of her concern that the rezoning would bring unwanted businesses because it's zoned as such. Her concerns also included increased foot traffic and road traffic, and outside contractors for the center. Ms. Scott was also concerned about security and the patient's decision to voluntarily leave and those patients who leave being in walking distance to an elementary school and a retirement center. Sunshine Cope of Camper Street told council that this center is needed but the location is wrong. Her concerns were for increased traffic, and the substances used in the center. Lucy Glenn of Pleasant Hill spoke of her experience working at Roanoke Memorial Hospital and her concerns with the issues of the lack of security, the training of all staff, theft, loitering and littering issues that this facility will bring. Yitsy Halon responded to the questions raised by the public. Yitsy stated Mainspring would follow any conditions set by the Town if the special exception were approved. Addressing the main concern of security, the center has suggested a condition that would provide security 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and 24/7 cameras installed both inside and outside the facility. He stated it is a rigorous procedure to be licensed, which takes a minimum of a year but could take up to two years. The state law requires facilities to follow a prescribed patient -staff ratio, program requirements, and Mainspring is still writing their policy and procedures on certain issues. Page 4 of 7 August 2, 2022 The Mayor closed the Public Hearing and asked for council comments Councilman Radcliffe raised concerns that if the center is completely voluntary then, staff cannot contain patients at the facility if a patient wishes to leave. Councilman East addressed his concerns with the transient population, clients being within a sixty -mile radius and for patients walking out of the center. Lisa Dehorty addressed concerns regarding transportation and discharging of patients. She stated that patients who leave or are discharged from the center, will be provided transportation by the center, if none is available, to their home or a shelter. Ms. Dehorty indicated no methadone would be provided but withdrawal management drugs and comfort medications would be available. Councilman Reis had concerns regarding altercations by patients while coming off a certain substance and asked how often that has happened. Lisa Dehorty answered that altercations don't happen often with the withdrawal medications. Mr. Reis also had concerns regarding patients being outdoors. He questioned the kinds of activities that would require them to be outside. Lisa Dehorty answered saying they would have a smoking section which would allow patients to smoke at a designated time with staff supervision. Activities would also include basketball, cornhole, and other fun outdoor games, all supervised by staff. The only time patients would be off property would be for scheduled medical appointments. Mr. Wallace questioned where the center would locate if they are not approved for the location requested. Yitsy Halon stated that there are other locations, in neighboring counties within Southwest Virginia that are available, but Pulaski is where they want to be to help the greatest number of people. He noted that contracts for meals would involve community businesses. Karen Cohen addressed again the security, staffing, and compliance concerns. She understands the concerns of residents and stated that any proposed conditions the Town would require, Mainspring would follow. She suggested that this case go back to the Planning Commission for additional suggestions or conditions for Town Council to consider. Page 5 of 7 August 2, 2022 Councilman Dawson asked the Town Attorney for clarification of the Planning Commission's vote and the guidelines and recommendations for sending this case back to the Planning Commission. Mr. Rygas responded with the Council having three options; to vote on the application, table the application and talk at a later time, or send the application back to the Planning Commission to address concerns and solutions more clearly before having the Council vote. Mr. Dawson made the motion to refer this case back to the Planning Commission to consider any conditions which would address their concerns. Mr. Penn seconded the motion. Lane R. Penn- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Nay Brooks R. Dawson- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Abstained Gregory C. East- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye 9. Consent Agenda- Consideration of July 19, 2022 Town Council Minutes A motion was made my Mr. Dawson and seconded by Mr. Penn to approve the minutes. Lane R. Penn- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Gregory C. East- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye 10. Council Comments Mr. Penn wanted to give an update on the town's contribution to the NRCC ACCE program, questioning if the money that was pledged was ever sent or what happened to the contribution. Mr. East gave the history of the ACCE program and stated money was never sent but looking forward, perhaps we could partner with the county and follow through with our pledge of $50,000 for residents within the town. Staff was asked to contact NRCC for more information on the program. Mr. Dawson stated it was unfortunate to have to send the Mainspring Recovery Center case back to the Planning Commission. He also said he is very excited with the upcoming completion of the mountain bike park. Mr. East agreed with Mr. Dawson as to his comments regarding sending the Recovery Center application back to the Planning Commission. He also commented on the increased volume of trash on Main Street and the age of the containers. Mr. Radcliffe commended the Chief of Police and everyone involved in the National Night Out event, stating it looked like it was very successful. Page 6 of 7 August 2, 2022 Mr. Reis also commended those involved with National Night Out and the enjoyment it brought to his children and himself. He also commented that there is no reason to rush the Mainspring Recovery Center application as it is of great concern to the community and this will give the community another opportunity to address their concerns as well as the business to respond to those concerns. Mr. Reis also asked if there was a comprehensive plan to replace waterlines throughout the town. The Mayor thanked the public for coming to the meeting and the level of involvement that the community demonstrated in the meeting. 11. Manager's Report The Town Manager recognized Sonia Ramsey at the Police Department for her involvement in a successful National Night Out. She reminded Council of the street naming ceremony for F.R. Conner on Friday with family members expected to be present. She mentioned that some citizens that were at National Night Out, stated they would like to see more community events and reminded the Council that Rhythm and Ribs, is scheduled for August 13th. The loan with VRA for the Brookmont Project closed earlier today and she stated the county wants to participate with the project by increasing the size of the tank at their expense. A resolution for an appropriation of funds for the James Hardie project will be presented at the next council meeting. Council will receive a copy of the traffic study prior to the August 16th meeting and a presentation will be conducted at that meeting as the water line bid will be bid this month. She addressed the trash concern on Main Street noting that Pulaski on Main had volunteered to remove trash from the pocket park as it is getting a lot of use. She also responded that there is not a master plan to replace water lines but sections of lines are being identified to be replaced as soon as possible. 12. Reminder of Future Council Meeting- August 16, 2022; Closed Session starting at 5:30 p.m.; Open Session starting at 7 p.m. 13. Meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. A ST: )o,,, -;,-4 ot -(-11--tc- erFl-via C. Hale Clerk of Council THE TOWN OF PULASK-I -VIRGINIA W. Shannon Collins Mayor Page 7 of 7 August 2, 2022