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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-05-231 1 Town Council Meeting Minutes December 5, 2023 1. Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. and asked for a roll call. Gregory C. East- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye Mayor Collins- Aye 2. The Mayor asked for a motion to go into Closed Session to discuss the following items: 7:02 p.m. a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (3 items)- Appointments to Town Manager, Town Attorney, and Boards/ Committees. The motion was made by Mr. Clark and seconded by Mr. East. Gregory C. East- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye Open Session 3. Certification of Closed Session- The Mayor asked for a motion to certify that only the following items were discussed in Closed Session: a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) (3 items)- Appointments to Town Manager, Town Attorney, and Boards/ Committees. The motion was made by Mr. Reis and seconded by Mr. Clark. Gregory C. East- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye 4. Mr. Radcliffe lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 5. Mr. East gave the invocation. 6. Guests and Visitors- The Mayor welcomed all in attendance and viewing online. 7. Modification to Public Session The motion was made by Mr. Reis and seconded by Mr. Dawson to add the approval of the employment contact of a new Town Manager before Public Comment. Gregory C. East- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Page 1 of 7/ December 5, 2023 1 1 I Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye The motion was made by Mr. Dawson and seconded by Mr. East to add Resolution 2023- 60 Appointing Candidates to the New River Valley Agency on Aging Board of Directors after the contract item. Gregory C. East- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye 8. LewisGale Hospital Pulaski Proclamation The Mayor read the proclamation. The Mayor asked for a roll call. Gregory C. East- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye 9. Presentations James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye a. Update on the 6th Street and Washington Ave Lot- Nate Repass Nate Repass presented the plans for the lot as an `art park' to include pieces of art and native plants and trees. The park would include additional gardens and an open green space. Mr. Dawson asked about surrounding the park with fencing. Mr. Repass stated that due to the steepness of the property a low fence would be needed on the 6th street side of the park and another fence to separate the park from a resident's yard. The renovation would also include a cut-out access for mowers. Mr. Reis asked if the mower access would allow ADA accessibility to the park. Mr. Repass stated it could possibly allow access with a ramp along with the addition of a hand rail on the existing steps. The Town Manager stated if the council likes this approach for the lot. The next step would be for staff to identify what materials are needed and the resulting expenses. Mr. Dawson asked if town staff would be responsible for maintenance of the lot. Page 2 of 7/ December 5, 2023 Mr. Repass stated some groups have expressed interest in developing additional gardens on the lot which would include those groups taking care of their gardens. The lot could also have residents sponsoring a portion of the garden. Mr. Reis suggested bathrooms and shaded space. Mr. Repass stated residents in the neighborhood were concerned with having shaded spaces, fearing what that could attract. He stated a shaded area and water fountain could possibly be added to another corner in the area. b. Pulaski Area Transit- Monica Musick Monica Musick stated the micro -transit study would take 10-12 months. The application for current service is February 1° 2024. There is an option of smaller vehicles but there is a 2.5 year wait. Ms. Musick stated DRPT suggested not to request replacement vehicles for FY 2025 grant cycle and complete the study for different transportation options and to apply for capital assistance of $20,000 for spare vehicle parts. She stated there is an increase in the operating budget for FY 2025 and asked for a local match of $83,431 from the Town. Mr. Reis asked if the 2.5 year wait on the smaller vehicles was because they need to be ADA accessible. Ms. Musick stated the smaller vehicles do need modifications to be ADA accessible and the vendor is taking longer due to materials. The Town Manager asked if the additional funding for spare parts would be used when the town shop handles maintenance or to purchase spare parts to have on inventory. Ms. Musick stated she would talk with the town mechanic for recommendations but it would be parts to be on hand when needed. 10. Public Hearing a. Resolution 2023-56 Appropriation of Funds The Town Manager recommended the appropriation of funds from the fund balance for use for economic development projects in the amount of $1,450,000. The Mayor opened and closed the public hearing as there were no speakers. The motion was made by Mr. Dawson and seconded by Mr. Reis to approve the resolution. Gregory C. East- Nay James A. Radcliffe- Aye Page 3 of 7/ December 5, 2023 1 1 11 Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye 11. Resolution 2023-57 Reappointing Lane Penn to the Pepper's Ferry Regional Wastewater Treatment Authority. The motion was made by Mr. East and seconded by Mr. Clark to approve the resolution. Gregory C. East- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye 12. Resolution 2023-58 Reappointing James Radcliffe as an alternate for the Pepper's Ferry Regional Wastewater Treatment Authority. The motion was made by Mr. Clark and seconded by Mr. Reis to approve the resolution. Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Abstained Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye 13. Resolution 2023-59 Appointing Brooks Dawson to the Pulaski Redevelopment and Housing Authority. The motion was made by Mr. Reis and seconded by Mr. Clark to approve the resolution. Gregory C. East- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Abstained James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye 14. Ordinance 2023-18 Amending Chapter 46 to the Town of Pulaski's Code of Ordinances. The Town Manager reported this item ordinance is amending the previously approved ordinance as requested by DCR. The motion was made by Mr. Reis and seconded by Mr. East to amend the ordinance. Gregory C. East- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye 15. Ordinance 2023-19 Granting Right of Way and Easement to American Electric Power Company for Town Owned Property Tax Parcel 073-001-0000-060A The Town Manager stated AEP requires an easement to allow power to the new pump station on town property at James Hardie. Page 4 of 7/ December 5, 2023 1 1 The motion was made by Mr. Reis and seconded by Mr. Clark to approve the ordinance. Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye 16. Contract for the new Town Manager The motion was made by Mr. Reis and seconded by Mr. Clontz to authorize the Mayor to execute the employment contact for the new Town Manager. Gregory C. East- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye The Mayor announced Mr. D. Todd Day as the new Town Manager effective February 1, 2024. He welcomed Mr. Day to the Town of Pulaski and said he is eager to keep the Town moving forward to brighter days. Mr. Day thanked the council for the opportunity to serve the Town and stated he was impressed with the town staff that he has met. He stated he looks forward to becoming a positive part of the community. 17. Resolution 2023-60 Appointing Candidates to the New River Valley Agency on Aging Board of Directors The motion was made by Mr. Clark and seconded by Mr. East to approve the resolution. Gregory C. East- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye 18. Public Comment Period- No speakers were present. 19. Consent Agenda a. Consideration of November 16, 2023 Town Council Meeting Minutes The motion was made by Mr. East and seconded by Mr. Clark to approve the minutes. Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Ae Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Abstained Michael P. Reis- Aye Page 5 of 7/ December 5, 2023 b. Consideration of November 21, 2023 Town Council Meeting Minutes The motion was made by Mr. Clark and seconded by Mr. Dawson to approve the minutes. Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye 20. Council Comments Mr. East, Mr. Clark, and Mr. Dawson stated the Christmas lights and decorations look amazing. Mr. Dawson welcomed Mr. Day. Mr. Radcliffe stated there is a mattress in the county parking lot by the dumpster that needs to be removed. He stated the sign at the y-intersection looks good and welcomed Mr. Day to the town. Mr. Reis stated how nice it looks downtown with the lights and decorations and asked if the water leak at the intersection of Washington and Fifth could be looked at again. He also welcomed Mr. Day to the town. Mayor Collins stated there was a small leak on Jefferson Street and Fourth Street and reminded listeners of the Christmas Parade on Thursday night. He also welcomed Mr. Day and stated the town is moving in the right direction. 21. Manager's Report The Town Manager stated two new businesses will be opening the beginning of 2024, Mana Tattoo Parlor and Broussard General Store. She stated there has been positive feedback from the replacement of the sign at the y-intersection, and that it was the same sign that has been in storage due to the two-way traffic conversion. She reminded council that the other town welcome signs are also being refurbished. The contract for the third ARS home has been signed. She reminded listeners of the Christmas Parade on Thursday at 7pm and that Santa has been available for photos in the park Monday and Tuesday evening. She stated the Pulaski County Jaycees celebrated their 75th anniversary last year and that the Pulaski Jaycees are the oldest Jaycees organization in Virginia. She stated the striping for Route 11 will be done before the end of the week and new striping on Commerce Street has been completed. She also shared information regarding Gatewood's water levels. The current level is 9.06 feet below full capacity and the average flow out of Gatewood a day is 3.5 million gallons. The town can produce water until water levels are 34 feet below capacity and if it never rained, water would last 180 days. This level is a normal occurrence and the water levels are checked weekly. The sale of Hogan's Dam allows the Town to open a valve for additional water if needed. She shared another Page 6 of 7/ December 5, 2023 upcoming special event, a Tea Party reenactment would take place on December 171h from 3-4pm, sponsored by the Wilderness Museum. The tea has been approved by Friends of Peak Creak. The Town Manager recommended cancelling the January 2, 2024 meeting due to the holidays. The motion was made by Mr. Reis and seconded by Mr. Clark to cancel the Town Council meeting on January 2, 2024. Gregory C. East- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye 22. Reminder of Future Council Meeting James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye a. December 19, 2023, Closed Session 5:30 p.m.; Open Session 7:00 p.m. 23. With no further business, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m. 1 ATTEST OWa C. Hale Clerk of Council 1 TOWN OF PULASKI VIRGINIA W. Shannon Collins Mayor Page 7 of 7/ December 5, 2023