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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-06-24Town Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, August 6, 2024 1. The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and asked for a roll call. Gregory C. East- Absent James A. Radcliffe- Aye Mayor Collings- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Absent 2. Case Number 2024-ZA-03 Amendments to the Town of Pulaski Zoning Ordinances as it relates to Manufactured and Modular Housing. Summer Bork, Planning and Zoning Administrator reported the Town has been looking at options to expand housing throughout the Town, particularly to help with affordability. The modular housing definition doesn't comply with state building codes and is extremely limited to particular areas of town, it also does not address that modular housing technology has evolved over time. She stated the Planning Commission is recommending an update to the `modular housing' definition to be in line with state building codes, and recommending an addition of a `residential building' definition to section 4.3.2-2 in the zoning ordinance, which would enable modular housing as an acceptable building method through a special exception. Ms. Bork stated building specifications would be: requiring permanent foundation, a pylon or cementing system, much like having footers on a stick -built structure, one structure per lot and setbacks that are there for stick -built construction, a minimum of 950 square feet, manufactured dwellings being required to be registered with the county as real property, HUD certified, and a certificate of occupancy. She stated the single family, two family, and multi -family definitions would need to be amended so that a single- family house can be a `manufactured house' or `duplex' can be a `manufactured dwelling' and changing the language from `mobile/manufactured housing' to `manufactured dwelling' to ensure everything matches in the zoning ordinance. Councilman East joined the meeting at 6:11 p.m. Councilman Radcliffe, Councilman East, Councilman Dawson, and Town Manager Day all discussed their concerns with allowing a 950 square foot `manufactured dwelling' going into a neighborhood where it could decrease property values and ruin the asthenic of the neighborhood. Councilman Dawson asked would requiring a special exception give the Council enough control to prevent a single -wide being placed into neighborhoods and if changing the minimum square footage, would the Town still require it to be a special exception. Manager Day recommended Council take their time on the subject and look at other political jurisdictions and recommended to move on to the other work session item without voting to move Case Number 2024-ZA-03 to a Public Hearing. Page 1 of 8/ August 6, 2024 3. Case Number 2024-ZA-04 Removing Medical Office from Sections 4.7.2-1, 4.6.2-2, 4.5.2-1 RO and PUD permitted, and RMH-1 Special Exception. Add Medical Office as use for sections 4.7.2-2, 4.9.2-1, 4.10.2-2 (B-2 Permitted, RO, and B-3 Special Exception. Ms. Bork reported the Planning Commission has analyzed land availability, parking availability, and the scope of uses that the Town can have for a medical office. The Planning Commission found that locating medical offices by right in B-1 and B-2 zones and via special exception in RO and B-3 Zones. She stated the proposed amendment would remove medical offices from Planned Development Units and the Residential Mobile/Manufactured Residential District and add or allow medical offices to use the limited and general business districts, residential/office district, and central business district by special exception. The Town Manager recommended to table the discussion for further review and it was agreed not to vote to move Case Number 2024-ZA-04 to a Public Hearing. 4. With no further business, the Mayor adjourned the Work Session at 6:50 p.m. Open Session 1. The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. Councilman Radcliffe lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Councilman East gave the invocation. 4. The Mayor welcomed all in attendance and viewing online. 5. Modification to Public Session- No modifications were made. 6. Public Hearing a. Case Number 24-ZA-1 and 24-ZA-2 Amending Section 11.2 Town's Definition of Hospital and Remove `Hospital or Health Center' as a use from Sections 4.1.2- 2, 4.2.2-2, 4.3.2-2, 4.4.2-2, and 4.10.2-2. The Mayor read the Public Hearing Notices that was advertised in the Patriot. The Mayor opened and closed the Public Hearing as there were no speakers. i. Ordinance 2024-08 Amendment of Section 11.2 Definition of Hospital or Health Center Page 2 of 8/ August 6, 2024 0 The motion was made by Councilman East and seconded by Councilman Clark to adopt Ordinance 2024-08. Gregory C. East- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Abstained James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Michael P. Reis- Absent Mayor Collins- Aye ii. Ordinance 2024-09 Removal of Hospital or Health Center from Sections 4.1.2-2, 4.2.2-2, 4.3.2-2, 4.4.2-2, and 4.10.2-2 The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Councilman Radcliffe to adopt Ordinance 2024-09 Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Absent Mayor Collins- Aye Case Number 24-SE-002 Special Exception for 929 Newbern Road The Mayor read the Public Hearing Notice that was advertised in the Patriot. The Mayor opened and closed the Public Hearing as there were no speakers. i. Ordinance 2024-10 Special Exception for allowing an Event Center per 4.8.2-2(q) in a B-1 Zone The motion was made by Councilman Dawson and seconded by Councilman Radcliffe to adopt Ordinance 2024-10. Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Absent Mayor Collins- Aye c. Resolution 2024-33 Re -Appropriation, Carry Forward for FY 2024-2025 Budget. Jackie Morris, Finance Director reported a list of items that require re - appropriation for the new fiscal year 2025. She stated the grants and projects that the Town currently has ongoing is a total of $7,526,819.08 to carry forward for various checking accounts is $311,857.27 and a carry forward of an ATL grant for the Fire Department of $20,598.67. The Mayor opened and closed the Public Hearing as there were no speakers. Page 3 of 8/ August 6, 2024 The motion was made by Councilman Radcliffe and seconded by Councilman Clark to adopt Resolution 2024-33. Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Absent Mayor Collins- Aye 7. Resolution 2024-34 Appropriating Town of Pulaski Police Department Grant Funds Sonia Ramsey, Administrative Manager of the Police Department, reported the Police Department has received a grant in the amount of $10,732.07. She stated the grant fund was created in 2023 to be used solely for the purpose of implanting violent crime reduction strategies, providing training for law enforcement officers and prosecutors, and providing equipment for law enforcement agencies. She stated the appropriated amount will allow the department to send one officer to a 45-weekday training in Richmond held by the Virginia Department of Forensic Science. The motion was made by Councilman East and seconded by Councilman Dawson to adopt Resolution 2024-34. Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Absent Mayor Collins- Aye 8. Resolution 2024-35 Appropriating Town of Pulaski Fire Department Grant Funds Jeff Conner, Fire Chief reported the department's burn building showed some deficiencies on the interior walls and a grant in the amount of $28,588.00 will repair the burn building. The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Councilman East to adopt Resolution 2024-35. Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Absent Mayor Collins- Aye 9. Resolution 2024-36 Appropriating Virginia Outdoors Foundation Grant Funds Manager Day read the resolution. Page 4 of 8/ August 6, 2024 The motion was made by Councilman Dawson and seconded by Councilman Clark to adopt Resolution 2024-36. Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Absent Mayor Collins- Aye 10. Resolution 2024-37 Appointing the Town Manager or Appointed Designee as the Subdivision Agent for the Town of Pulaski Manager Day reported Virginia code requires a Subdivision Agent anytime the Town or engineering firm does a subdivision rezoning or subdivision of property and this resolution will appoint the Town Manager or his designee as that Subdivision Agent. The motion was made by Councilman East and seconded by Councilman Radcliffe to adopt Resolution 2024-37. Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Absent Mayor Collins- Aye 11. Public Comment Period Steven Erickson, of Bob White Boulevard addressed Council stating his candidacy for Town Council in the upcoming election and asked about the committee being formed regarding the unhoused population, who's on it, how often they meet and do they seek input from agencies, residents, or organizations that work with the unhoused population. The Town Manager stated the committee is not a recommendation from Town Council, it was a direction he chose to go in and he's been in communication with numerous agencies and it is still in the works to being created which will include all views and aspects of the issue. Mr. Erickson asked if any councilmembers had heard of the count from Community Action that took place in the middle of the year in Radford and Pulaski. Chief Shumate of the Pulaski Police Department stated due to the time -frame, he assumes they aren't getting a legit count. Mr. Erickson asked about plans for the MacGill Park and suggested making that area an unhoused community where they could be together with services they need. He then asked about the decision on Council's behalf of the six-month moratorium of breaking up the encampments. Page 5 of 8/ August 6, 2024 Manager Day stated it is a trespassing issue on private property and the Town has an obligation to respond to those calls on a legal level. Mr. Erickson asked about if warming shelters were available, looking ahead of the issue before it comes and suggested pallet shelters for the winter months. Councilman East stated there is a warming station on Jefferson Ave for those months and that the obligation of Town Council is to the residents and to protect and grow the community, to bring business in, and not get businesses closed due to excessive theft. Mr. Erikson asked if there was a program or action could be taken with our Police Officers where they speak with the unhoused community, ask what their needs are, and provide them with necessity bags. Chief Shumate stated due to the call volume and number of staff, the officers don't have the time to go out and do that policing. 12. Consent Agenda a. Consideration of July 16, 2024 Town Council Meeting Minutes The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Councilman East to adopt the minutes. Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Brooks R. Dawson- Abstained Michael P. Reis- Absent Mayor Collins- Aye 13. Council Comments Councilman Clark complimented the Police Department's National Night Out and thanked staff for their hard work in that event. Councilman Dawson thanked Mr. Erickson for coming and speaking to Council and stated he agreed with Councilman East's comment that the responsibility of the Council is to the citizens and the outreach that the Town Manager and the Police Department are steps in the right direction. Councilman Radcliffe commended Nate Repass, Outdoor Facilities Coordinator on all his work through the Town. He reported the grass and trees need cut on Memorial Drive, Edgehill Drive, and Route 11. 14. Manager's Report Page 6 of 8/ August 6, 2024 a. Introduction of Shannon Ainsley, Economic Developer- The Town Manager reported Ms. Ainsley came to the Town from the Chamber of Commerce and her objection for right now is business retention. b. Rhythm and Ribs: Saturday, August loth from 3-9 p.m. in Jackson Park c. Chrome in the Valley Cruise -In: Saturday, August 17th from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. in Jackson Park 15. Reminder of Future Council Meeting a. August 20, 2024 Closed Session 6:00 p.m., Open Session 7:00 p.m. 7:41 p.m. 16. The Mayor asked for a motion to enter into Closed Session to discuss the following items: a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (2 items)- Personnel Matters i. Town Manager ii. Appointments to Boards The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Councilman East. Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Absent Mayor Collins- Aye The following councilmembers and staff entered into Closed Session: Councilman East, Councilman Clark, Councilman Dawson, Councilman Radcliffe, Mayor Collins, Town Manager, Todd Day, and Clerk of Council, Olivia Hale. 8:23 p.m. Open Session 1. 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) 1 (2 items)- Personnel Matters i. Town Manager ii. Appointments to Boards The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Councilman Dawson. Page 7 of 8/ August 6, 2024 Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Absent Mayor Collins- Aye 2. With no further business, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:26 p.m. ATT T O Olivia CHale Clerk of Council TOWN of PULASKI, VIRGINIA W. Shannon Collins Mayor Page 8 of 8/ August 6, 2024