Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-19-00Minutes of the Town Council work session held September 19, 2000 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were present: Charles W. Stewart, Jr., Mayor Council Members: Lane R. Penn, Kenneth M. Fleenor, E. G. Black, Jr., Bettye H. Steger, Daniel Talbert, Jr., Pauline G. Mitchell, Jeffrey S. Worrell Absent/Excused: James M. Neblett Staff: Gary C. Elander, Town Manager David N. Quesenberry, Asst. to the Town Manager Randolph D. Eley, Jr., Town Attorney Mike Jenkins, Public Works Director Sherry Boyd, Finance Director John Hawley, Town Engineer E. T. Montgomery, Police Chief Patricia Pendergrast, Clerk Also Present: Joe Weddle, AEP Larry Rakes, AEP Michael Dowell Tina Ratliff, Press Lee Carter, Press Paul Dellinger, Press Mayor Stewart called the work session to order at 5:00 p.m. Following roll call, Mayor Stewart asked for the Finance Committee report. Chairman Fleenor advised that committee has been studying the status of the water account. Basically, there has been an increase in expenses and a decrease in income. Committee is reviewing options before making a recommendation to Council. Chairman Fleenor also advised that committee is in receipt of a request to raise the fees on the cemetery lots. There is a need to build up the perpetual care fund. Preliminary research shows that our rates are low in comparison to the surrounding areas. Committee will be reviewing this request. Next, Sherry Boyd, Finance Director handed out the cash balance report and the summary of investments effective 8/31/00. She also advised that the Town is in receipt of a check in the amount of $23,000 from the Department of Taxation as the result of a statewide audit of all banks. Next, Utilities Committee Chairman Worrell advised that there have been some questions recently as to how the Town will be affected by the deregulation of the electric industry. He advised that AEP sent letters to customers recently about participating in a pilot program to receive and evaluate offers from competing providers. The Town, as a Municipality, is not eligible to participate in this pilot program. The Town has just recently signed an agreement for rates effective through June 30, 2002. He introduced J. Larry Rakes, the Community Services Manager for AEP, to advise what to expect after that time. Mr. Rakes advised that legislation was passed in 1999 in Virginia for open competition in the electric industry, effective January 1, 2002. All customers will be able to select their energy service provider of choice. A pilot program will be implemented October 1, 2000 to educate customers about how to shop for their provider. He presented a packet of information to refer to when questions are posed to the Town by citizens. Next, Mayor Stewart asked Mr. Elander to give the Public Operations Committee report in Councilman Neblett’s absence. Mr. Elander advised that the Town has learned that effective October 1, 2000, Blue and White Cab company will no longer accept Medicaid payments. They advised that operating costs are at a historic high. Medicaid has not increased their transportation reimbursement rates since 1972. The Town has been in touch with Social Services and Community Services to try to determine what assistance might be provided and currently is waiting for information from them. Secondly, Mr. Elander advised that Mike Jenkins, Public Works Director was present to give an update and recommendation regarding timber harvesting. Mr. Jenkins advised that he is prepared to go forward with the timber harvesting. This will be accomplished in five phases: 1. Selection of engineering and/or consulting firm to oversee the operation with Town assistance. 2. Property survey and property line recovery to ensure no infringement on private property. 3. Timber cruise – inventory of timber available for harvest. 4. Harvest program to identify how much and which timber to be harvested and the contract documents to accomplish that. 5. Harvesting the timber in compliance with the regulations. He advised that he would like to begin immediately. Mr. Elander advised that as this is a request for proposals and not a contract, it can be handled administratively. Next, Ordinance Committee Chairwoman Mitchell inquired whether the Town Attorney had a draft ordinance ready for review regarding bicycles on sidewalks? Mr. Eley responded that he needed more input from Council. After extensive discussion, it was decided to hold an Ordinance Committee meeting next week to discuss this issue more fully. Councilwoman Steger reminded Council that she would like a public hearing held on this issue even though it is not required by law. Next, Mayor Stewart advised that Planning Commission met on September 11, 2000. They continued work on rewriting zoning regulations during the work session. During the meeting, they considered a request for a conditional use to place an auto salvage yard on property located off of East Main Street. Commission recommends that conditional use be granted with certain conditions. Council will consider this request at its October 3rd meeting. Commission also considered a recommendation concerning the naming of an alley “Sheppard Lane” and opined that it could be handled administratively. Human Resources Chairwoman Steger advised that there are several vacancies on committees. She advised that several calls have been received in response to an article in the Southwest Times regarding these vacancies and that she has scheduled a meeting for September 28 to discuss these appointments. Next, Safety Committee Chairman Penn advised that prior to his leaving, Police Chief Cooley advised the New River Criminal Justice Training Academy that the Town would be withdrawing from the academy. He wanted to switch to the Cardinal Criminal Justice Academy in Salem as he felt that they offer more classes. Chairman Penn advised that he is against this move. He stated that his research shows that preliminary training would be basically the same at both academy’s. He opined that it doesn’t make a lot of sense to pass up one academy to go to another. He asked Chief Montgomery for his opinion on this issue. Chief Montgomery advised that he and the Town Manager, Mr. Elander, recently visited the New River Criminal Justice Training Academy and were advised that they are in the process of updating their curriculum. Mr. Elander advised that the letter has been put on hold and could be put on permanent hold. Chief Montgomery advised that if the Town does not send a letter of intent to leave the academy by October 1, 2000, the Town is locked in for five years. Chairman Penn also inquired into a possible grant for the Fire Department. Mr. Elander advised that a grant for $42,000 has been offered to the Fire Department to line the interior of the fire tower building. Some staff members feel the building is not structurally sound and no budget money is available to upgrade it. The Building Inspector is to examine and report on the status of the building. Then a decision will be made whether to accept the monies offered or to instead submit an application requesting more funding for a new building. More information will be forthcoming to Council as received. There being no further business, at 6:00 p.m., Councilman Penn made a motion to enter into Closed Session on 2.1-344 (A-3) acquisition or disposition of property, seconded by Councilman Fleenor and carried on the following recorded vote: Lane R. Penn - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye James M. Neblett - Absent Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye At 6:34 p.m., Council returned from Closed Session and adopted Certification Resolution for Closed Session on motion by Councilwoman Mitchell, seconded by Councilman Talbert and carried on the following recorded vote: Lane R. Penn - Aye Bettye H. Steger - Aye Kenneth M. Fleenor - Aye Daniel Talbert, Jr. - Aye James M. Neblett - Absent Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye E. G. Black, Jr. - Aye Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye There being no further business, meeting adjourned on motion by Councilwoman Steger, seconded by Councilman Fleenor and carried on voice vote.