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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-04-929050 February 4, 1992 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held February 4, 1992, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were present: Mayor Gary C. Hancock, presiding Council Members: Charles D. Crispin, J. R. Schrader, Jr. Mary Lou Copenhaver, James M. Neblett, Andrew L. Graham, Alma H. Holston, Robert N. Glenn Also Present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney Don E. Holycross, Town Manager Robert J. Lyons, Asst. to the Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: Dee Lindsey and Paul Dellinger, News Media Hiawatha Nicely Roy D'Ardenne Joe Weddle Henderson Randolph Don Reid, C & P Telephone Co. Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Warner Polly Mitchell Patricia Pendergrast The meeting was called to order by Mayor Hancock. Councilwoman Holston led the Pledge of Allegiance with the Invocation being given by Councilman Neblett. Following the roll call, Councilwoman Holston so moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of January 21, 1992, be approved as submitted, seconded by Councilman Crispin, and carried. Mayor Hancock welcomed visitors and introduced Patricia Pendergrast, new employee, and Mayor Hancock's secretary. Mr. Don Reid, Manager, Roanoke/New River Valley, C & P Telephone Company, introduced himself to Town Council. Mr. Reid replaces Mr. Jim Griffith in this position. He offered his assistance to the Town. I ~~ n MAGNOX, INC. In hearing from the public, Mr. Hiawatha Nicely, Magnox, Inc. advised Council that a $6.5 million expansion had been approved for their facility. Employment will increase by eight to ten persons. They are also proceeding with their renovation program at the Calfee School. Mr. Nicely thanked Council for their support. Mr. J. B. Warner again addressed Council regarding the installation of street lights behind the municipal building, Town tax tickets going out late, water disconnects, and checks not being deposited on time. He advised that deadlines are not being met. Mr. Warner also questioned February 4, 1992 9051 cost of the Council Retreat held at Mountain Lake. Mayor Hancock called for Council Committee Reports. PUBLIC OPERATIONS COMMITTEE WATER Chairman J. R. Schrader reported that the Public Operations Committee had met January 30, 1992, and considered the request of Mr. Jake Blevins for a water and sewer adjustment. As there was no evidence of a leak, break or meter malfunction, Mr. Blevins did not receive a water or sewer adjustment. The Committee concluded that the water and sewer adjustment ordinance had been properly applied with regard to Mr. Blevins' request for an adjustment. MAGNOX Chairman Schrader also advised that Magnox had requested permission to install three conduits, all containing low voltage signal wire, on the West Main Street Bridge. The conduits would connect the old Calfee School Building with Magnox's main building and would contain telephone cable, low voltage signal wires for the fire alarm system and low voltage wiring for video signals. The Town will inspect the installation of the conduit and require appropriate hold harmless protection. Chairman Schrader so moved that the Town Council authorize the issuance of a revocable license to Magnox to install three conduits on and under the West Main Street Bridge, seconded by Councilwoman Copenhaver and carried on the following recorded vote: Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Absent Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye GATEWOOD Chairman Schrader stated that the Town's Conditional Operation and Maintenance Certificate issued by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation for Gatewood Dam expires on May 15, 1992. In order to meet the current dam safety regulations, the Town must perform a stability analysis. The Town Engineer's estimate of the cost of a stability analysis is $10,000, and Chairman Schrader so moved that Council authorize the Town Manager and Town Engineer to proceed with the Gatewood Dam Stability Analysis at an estimated cost of $10,000. Motion seconded by Councilman Neblett. Mr. Holycross reported that we need to do the stability analysis on both Gatewood and Hogans Dam. The preference was to do Gatewood first, and submit to state, get comments and see exactly what information is required. We have talked with the state and consulting engineers that might do the work and their feeling is that there would not be a significant difference in the quotes that we would get if we did both Gatewood and Hogans at the same time as opposed to doing them separately. When dam was constructed, it met all applicable regulations and safety requirements at that time. Permits expire at the same time, but we feel temporary permits will be extended. Motion then carried on the following recorded vote: 9052 February 4, 1992 Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Absent Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye TRAFFIC Chairman Schrader stated that a traffic study has been made at the intersection of Bob White Boulevard and Wurno Road to determine if a traffic signal was warranted. Estimated cost of a traffic signal and turning lanes is between $80,000 and $85,000. The study found that a traffic signal is not justified at this time as it only meets one of the traffic signal warrants. The Engineering Department recommended exploring other alternatives. The Town will continue to work with Long Airdox and Renfro to address their concerns. Chairman Schrader reported that at the request of Mr. Jake Blevins, TRAFFIC the Town had examined the placement of the Critzer School Zone signs. The Engineering Department has determined that the existing signs are in compliance with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Specifically the sign locations exceed the recommended stopping distance of 175 feet for 25 MPH. Additionally, the signs are within the recommended distance of 150 ft. to 700 ft. from the school grounds or crossing. TRAFFIC Chairman Schrader advised that the Engineering Department analyzed traffic counts performed by the Virginia Department of Transportation at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Peppers Ferry Road to determine if a traffic signal is warranted. This study revealed that the intersection does not meet any of the traffic signal warrants. RECREATION Chairman Schrader reported that the Town Manager had informed the Committee that amendments to the draft of the Countywide Recreation Commission agreement had been submitted. After the three administrators finalize the draft, the agreement will be reviewed by the Pulaski and . Dublin Town Councils, and the Board of Supervisors. PUBLIC & PERSONNEL RELATIONS Chairwoman Copenhaver had no report. UTILITIES COMMITTEE GATEWOOD Chairman Graham reported that the Utilities Committee met on (TREES) January 29 and one item discussed was the placing of Christmas Trees in Gatewood Reservoir. Chairman Graham made a motion that nothing be put in Gatewood Reservoir for disposal such as Christmas trees, unless approved by the Town Council, seconded by Councilman Crispin. Councilman Neblett spoke in opposition to this motion and felt this matter had been discussed openly, in committees and in private. He felt the Town Administration handled the matter properly, researched it properly and urged Council to vote against this motion. Councilman Schrader felt some comments inferred that Town Administration and some Council Members were not concerned about the February 4, 1992 9053 GATEWOOD (Trees, con't.) safety of the water Holycross was hired Town Council Member on this, what will snows, or what area felt we need to put Administration. and he is very concerned about it. Also, Mr. and other people have much more information than any had and they made their decision and if we vote yes be next controversy; what streets are plowed when it of the Town will be patrolled by the Police. He our faith in the Town Manager and the Town Councilman Crispin disagreed with Mr. Schrader. He believed that we can't equate the sweeping of our streets with our primary water source. He also believed that we did not know at the time that the trees were put into the lake what, if any, contaminants were on the trees. He felt that one person, even though he had full confidence in his ability to make good judgements, he felt in this particular case, that it should not be left up to one person, but it should be left up to the Council to make the decision because eight people putting their heads together, generally speaking, would come up with better recommendations, and also be able to make recommendations that are based on maybe better judgments than one. It also relieves the Town Manager of that ultimate responsibility in the event of a mistake. He believed the motion should be passed. We hire our Town Manager and department heads and she did not think they could run around following them every minute. We have to believe in them and we have to trust their judgment and she felt this was an administrative decision. Councilwoman Holston agreed it was an administrative decision. She knew the trees were being put in the lake and she did not call the Town Manager and complain. She had faith in Don that he would do what was right and he would not allow this to happen if there was the slightest reason for concern. She has been involved in Town government for the past 15 years and worked with three Town Managers. She felt that Mr. Holycross was one of the most honest, trustworthy managers that this Town has had. He is a professional who would not do anything to harm our Town or its citizens. Councilwoman Holston stated that this Council or any other Council cannot work effectively together if there is no trust. The losers of this are the citizens of our Town and she asked that we put this issue to rest tonight and go on to other issues facing us together, put our trust in Don Holycross and vote against this motion. Councilman Graham stated that we need to look at the purpose of Gatewood to supply water to the people of the Town of Pulaski and secondary, we can use Gatewood for boating, fishing, and camping. A policy has not been established. Councilman Crispin had talked with a chemist, and the response was that putting the trees into our water system was first bazaar, and second stupid. He stated he felt that impurities on trees would be filtered out at the Filter Plant. The response was, in location this gentleman was from, that they made heavy metal studies. The Water Control Board in Abingdon (Bobby Doss) stated that since it was not known what was on the trees when they were put into the lake and apparently we did not do a chemical analysis of the trees and since one of the supposedly experts that was called indicated that the farmers do actually spray the trees with insecticides in the fields. It was 9054 February 4, 1992 GATEWOOD (Trees, cont'd) indicated that the spray would deteriorate within three months. Trees were also sprayed in the homes. Councilman Crispin explained what the pesticides contained that drop down into the lake. It was further explained that it probably would not pose threat to the drinking water according to Councilman Crispin's source. Concern was expressed about getting the heavy metals and heavy compounds into the food chain. Councilman Crispin felt we did not have all the evidence we need to determine whether the judgment of putting the trees into the lake was good or bad. All the information he was able to gather was after the fact and not before the fact. He believed it was unwise to vote against this motion and he felt the voting public should make their opinions known at the polls in May to determine who is right. Councilwoman Holston stated that never had she voted for an issue because of any standing in any polls or because somebody would vote for her. She stated that the Council was not privileged to the information that was available to Messrs. Crispin and Graham and the decision made to put this matter into committee so a knowledgeable decision could be made. In the committee meeting, two gentlemen talked with members about the chemicals, etc. on the trees. One guest, Doug Steger, gave Councilwoman Holston his notes from the Chemical Safety Department of VPI. Mr. Steger came to the Town Manager on his own to give him his opinion. It was felt that no chemical residue would exist on the trees if they were sprayed while they are growing and at the time they were harvested. Motion denied on the following recorded vote: Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - No W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Absent Mary Lou Copenhaver - No Alma H. Holston - No James M. Neblett - No Robert N. Glenn - No Chairman Graham advised that the committee reviewed a private 6- inch water line along the front of the Pulaski Plaza shopping center. WATER The Town does not have a utility easement for the line, however, the line functions as part of the Town's water distribution system. The Public Works Department reported that the water line is in good condition. Also, the developer, Lutoda, is willing to turn the existing water line over to the Town. During the expansion of the Pulaski Plaza shopping center, Lutoda installed an 8-inch PVC water line serving the newly constructed shops and Food Lion and connecting to the 6-inch line. Water line was built to the Town's specifications. Chairman Graham made a motion that the Town Manager be authorized to prepare easement documents accepting the existing 6-inch line and the new 8-inch line into the Town's system, seconded by Councilwoman Holston and carried on the following recorded vote: Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Absent Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye ~, February 4, 1992 9055 WATER Chairman Graham stated that 18 residents of Old Newbern Road and Bob White Boulevard do not have available Town water service or fire protection and we are experiencing problems with their wells. The estimated cost of materials for a 10 inch water line is approximately $9,057. The estimated connection fees for the eighteen residences is $7,,200. Chairman Graham so moved that the Public Works department be authorized to install a water line on Old Newbern Road, from Newbern Road at Bob White Boulevard to just east of Peaksview Lane (Bainbridge), seconded by Councilman J. R. Schrader. Councilman Crispin stated that the Town Manager had assured them that the people who are going to have access to water and sewer, it would be an obligation for them to connect. Mr. Holycross stated that this statement was not made and that is a decision that the Council would have to make. Motion then carried on the following recorded vote: Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Absent Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye WATEg Chairman Graham reported that an existing 2-inch and 1-inch water line on Lafayette Avenue (5th Street to dead end) does not provide adequate pressure or fire protection. The estimated cost of installing a 6-inch PVC water line and fire hydrants is $4,900. Chairman Graham so moved that the Public Works Department be authorized to install the water line on Lafayette Avenue, seconded by Councilman Crispin and carried on the following recorded vote: Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Absent Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye FINANCE COMMITTEE The Finance Committee did not have a report. ORDINANCE COMMITTEE TAXICABS Chairwoman Holston advised that the committee had not met, but would meet February 12, 4x00 p.m. to review the taxicab certificates. On December 17, the permits were approved on a temporary basis for Blue and White and Deluxe Cabs. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hancock had no report. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT Mr. Terwilliger had no report. i 9056 February 4, 1992 TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Holycross reported that the Town Offices would be closed on February 17 for President's Day. Mr. Holycross distributed a graph showing weekly water levels at Gatewood Reservoir. As of January 28, we were less than three feet below normal. The pool level will continue to be monitored. Mr. Holycross advised that we have had a request from Virginia VML Municipal League as to whether we wish to continue with the Virginians to Virginians Program and if so, do we wish to have the Town of Dumfries as our colleague. As it was felt that we do receive benefit from this program. Councilman J. R. Schrader made a motion that we continue to be a participant in the Virginians to Virginians Program with the Town of Dumfries as our counter-part. Motion seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried. Mr. Holycross, in answering a question that was raised earlier in the meeting, reported that the lights in the parking lot of the municipal building were installed this date by Appalachian Power Co. Councilman Glenn requested a report of the current status of the Pulaski Main Street Program at next meeting. At 4:57 p.m. Council went into Executive Session on a real estate matter A3 and a legal/economic development matter A5 under 2.1-344 on motion made by Councilman Neblett, seconded by Councilwoman Copenhaver and carried on the following recorded vote: Charles D. Crispin - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Andrew L. Graham W. H. Schrader, Jr. Alma H. Holston Robert N. Glenn - Aye - Absent - Aye - Aye At 5:35 p.m. Council returned to regular session and waived reading of the Certification Resolution on motion made by Councilman J. R. Schrader, seconded by Councilman Crispin and carried. Councilman J. R. Schrader made a motion that Certification Resolution Be adopted, seconded by Councilwoman Holston and carried on the following recorded vote: Charles D. Crispin - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye W. H. S chrader, Jr. - Absent Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye Gary C. Hancock - Aye RETREAT Mr. Holycross reported that cost of Retreat at Mountain Lake was $1,545. It had been estimated that the session would cost $1,500. At 5:37 p.m., Councilman Neblett made a motion that Council adjourn, seconded by Councilwoman Copenhaver and carried. APPR ED: Mayor Attest: Clerk of Council