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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-20-88December 20, 1988 8462 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held December 20, 1988, in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were present: Mayor Gary C. Hancock, presiding Council Members: Alma H. Holston, Mary Lou Copenhaver, James R. Neighbors, Andrew L. Graham, W. H. Schrader, Jr., J. R. Schrader, Jr., Ira S. Crawford'; Planning Commission Members: A. W. Anneski, William T. Smith, Jr., Rocky Schrader, Roy D'Ardenne, David Warburton, Joe Weddle, Andy McCready Also Present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney Daniel E. McKeever, Town Manager Anne Burgess, Assistant Town MANAGER Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors ,: Dee Lindsey, Bob of the news media Tom Douthat Malcolm C. Ogle Max Trompter Mr. and Mrs. John Mr. and Mrs. Carl Katherine Martin Peter Huber Thomas and Rick Linquist Sowers Newsome The invocation was given by Vice Mayor Neighbors. On motion made by Councilperson Holston, seconded by Councilman W. H. Schrader, and carried, the minutes of the regular meeting of December 6, 1988, were approved as recorded. PUBLIC HEARING REZONING Next on agenda was a public hearing held jointly with the Planning mmission to consider rezoning lots on Washington Ave M-2 to B-2 and B- 3. Prior to the adoption of the zoning map in 1987, these lots were zoned business. Mr. Warburton stated he would not vote on this issue as his business is directly across the street from this block of businesses being considered for rezoning, he attends Church with one of the property owners, and his wife's business is one of the businesses that is considering moving to the former Sillington's Restaurant. He felt he should stay out of the vote In hearing from the public, Mr. Max Trompter stated he would like to see this property business property rather than industrial. At this time, the Planning Commission adjourned to another room to discuss their recommendation. REZONING-OVERTON DRIVE. As a number of citizens were present for the decision of rezoning Overton Drive, this matter was moved forward on the agenda. Councilman W. H. Schrader stated the Planning Commission had met and it was their recommendation that Council deny the request for 8463 .December 20, 1988 rezoning from R-1 to R-2 for the following reasons: REZoning In the comprehensive revision of the zoning ordinance, the zoning OVERTON consultant recommended the down-zoning of this area from R-2 to R-1 AVE. because the majority of the neighborhood had developed in a R-1 manner and because the lot sizes were in conformance with the R-1 minimum lot size. The consultant recognized some non-conforming uses would be created but felt that the downzoning was appropriate. The Commission was also reluctant to allow the expansion of an R-2 use in this neighborhood even though they have not had any specific development. Councilman W. H. Schrader so moved that the request for rezoning Overton Drive from R-1 to R-Z be denied, seconded by Councilperson Holston. Mr. Paul Sowers thanked Council and the Planning Commission for listening to their requests and denying this application. Motion then carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Absent Andrew L. Graham - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye REZONING Dr. Anneski advised the Planning Commission had reviewed the WASHINGTON rezoning of lots on Washington Avenue and upon motion made by Mr. AVENUE Weddle, seconded by Mr. Smith and carried unanimously, to accept the rezoning request from M-2 to B-2 and B-3 as shown on the map. Councilman W. H. Schrader made a motion that the Planning Commission's recommendation be accepted, seconded by Vice Mayor Neighbors, and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Absent Andrew L. Graham - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Ayes HISTORIC Mr. Tom Douthat, representing the Pulaski Architectural Review DISTRICT Board, addressed Council. Mr. Douthat first gave names of members of the Board. Mr. Douthat stated that as specified in the Historic District Ordinance the Board is to report to Council on a matter involving a historically significant area of the Town - the Pulaski Historic Residential District. One document distributed was resolution requesting the establishment of historic zoning for the Pulaski Historic Residential District signed by the Historic Residential District Citizens Committee and the second document was a report and recommendation on the establishment of an Architectural Review Board on the establishment of historic zoning in the Pulaski Historic Residential District. Mr. Terwilliger advised that ordinance would need to be amended and a public hearing held. A copy of guidelines is to be mailed to citizens in the area near April, with a summary to be published in the local newspaper. ~~ PUBLIC HEARING A public hearing was scheduled jointly with the Planning Commission for the 21st of February, at 7:00 p.m. There being no further comments from the public, Mayor Hancock called for committee reports. UTILITIES COMMITTEE Chairman Neblett absent. December 20, 1988 ORDINANCE- COMMITTEE 8464 Chairman Schrader reported that committee met December 12. Before Council was an ordinance to restrict the use and/or operation of skateboards on Town sidewalks and public parking lots. Chairman Schrader so moved that reading of the ordinance be waived, seconded by Councilman J. R. Schrader and carried. Chairman Schrader so moved that ordinance be adopted, seconded by Councilman J. R. Schrader. In discussing this ordinance, a change was necessary banning skateboards after dark on streets or sidewalks. Councilman Neighbors made a substitute motion that ordinance be adopted after change incorporated, seconded by Councilman J. R. Schrader and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Absent Andrew L. Graham - Aye ORDINANCEnlma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye Copy of Ordinance here in minutes. .See Addendum .page 8468 Chairman Schrader advised that committee had been reviewing parking in the downtown and that Town Attorney was preparing an ordinance for review. Also, we will discontinue parking enforcement in the downtown on Saturday and Sunday. Concern was also expressed regarding lighting for the parking lot behind the Senior Center. This matter was referred to the Public Operations Committee. PUBLIC &_ PERSONNEL- RELATIONS, NOMINATING__COMMITTEE P Chairman Neighbors presented a resolution rea g ppointing Ira S. P Crawford to the Peppers Ferry Regional Wastewater Treatment Authority, for a four year term until December 31, 1992. Chairman Neighbors so P moved that reading of the resolution be waived, seconded by Councilman E Graham and carried. R S Chairman Neighbors moved that the resolution be adopted, seconded F by Councilman W. H. Schrader and carried on the following recorded vote: E James M. Neblett - Absent Andrew L. Graham - Aye r Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye r Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye g James R. Neighbors - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Abstain Copy of resolution here in minutes. See Addendum at end of minutes PUBLIC OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Chairman Graham had no report. FINANCE COMMITTEE PUBLIC RELATIONSChairman Crawford advised that the Finance Committee had met twice. They discussed need to establish a public relations campaign for the Town, and so moved that $3,500 be appropriated from unappropriated surplus to account number 1201-3011 to fund a public relations campaign and approve it for expenditure. Motion seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Absent Andrew L. Graham - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye 8465 .December 20, 1988 At the December 7th meeting, Chairman Crawford stated they reviewed the train station and previously they had approved the hiring of an architect to prepare drawings in order to go out to bid for exterior renovations only. As the initially funded repairs to the train station are currently out to bid, it is necessary the Council formally approve the action and establish the necessary account. The cost of this architect is included in the Farmer's Home Administration. TRAIN STATION Chairman Crawford moved that the contract with Gibson Worsham, Architect, to prepare the preliminary report, draw the preliminary construction drawings and administer the construction work for the passenger station, at a minimum cost of 515,000 or 10s of the total Councilman Graham asked if we already had the Farmer's Home Administration loan. Ms. Burgess advised it would be submitted this week and it has been indicated they can have it processed in a month. Councilman Graham questioned the amount of loan with Ms. Burgess advising we were authorized to apply for 590,000 by the Council several months ago. Councilman Graham further questioned how we were going to pay this back, with Ms. Burgess advising the interest and principal was deferred for two years, 6-3/8°s interest. Councilman Graham questioned Town Attorney if by not owning property, can we spend public monies on something we do not own. Mr. Terwilliger advised we spend money on feasibility studies as to the acquisition of the property. Correspondence has passed back and forth concerning the sale of the property. There may or may not be an enforceable contract in effect at this point. He felt there was no question we can validly spend these public monies. Motion then carried on James M. Neblett - Alma H. Holston - Mary Lou Copenhaver - James R. Neighbors - Chairman Crawford stated a ers and we need to formally W. H. Schrader. STATION AND ~ CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT the following recorded vote: Absent Andrew L. Graham - No Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye landscape plan is being prepared by the Fra vote their approval, seconded by Councilman The Cost of this plan could be assigned to the bond issue. A plan must be developed prior to any work being done. Chairman Crawford moved that Council approve the Frazier's preparing a plan with a cost not to exceed 55,000. Motion seconded by Councilman W. H. Schrader. Councilman Graham questioned where the plan would cover. He was informed that landscape plan would be close to 50/50 for train statio and downtown area.Councilman Graham felt that bond money should not be used for something of this nature. Motion then carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Absent Andrew L. Graham - No Alma H. Holston - Abstain W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye Councilperson Holston abstained from voting as she felt there was not en ough information. It was the understanding of Council that these people were authorized to do this work. airman Crawford advised the committee had discussed repairs at December 20, 1988 8466 CEMETERY Oakwood cemetery to the road, and so moved that $2,000 be appropriated from unappropriated surplus to account number 101-43@7-507014, Street Improvement, and approved for expenditure, seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Absent Andrew L. Graham - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye INSURANC~airman Crawford stated the committee had reviewed health insurance for Town employees. Only one bid was received which was from Blue Cross/Blue Shieldand cost has increased. An 80/20 plan was decided upon with a $500 deductible. Last year for employee, cost was $64.40, and is now $99.31; employee and minor $88.12 per month is going to $143.70; and employee and family $156.45 last year will be $264.71. The committee recommended that we accept the Blue Cross proposal with a 30 day cancellation clause with some further work to be done in this area to see if we can find a better deal for the Town employees. Chairman Crawford made a motion that Council approve the bid submitted from Blue Cross excluding the $1.25 newsletter. The new rates are as follows: employee $99.31; employee and minor $143.70; employee and family $264.71. Further the committee recommended the Town pay the employee's share of $99.31, and that there be a 30 day cancellation clause be included in the contract. Motion seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Absent Andrew L. Graham - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hancock advised the downtown looks nice with its festive decorations and complimented the Pulaski Main Street for the garlands. Mayor Hancock also thanked Ms. Virginia Kelly for all her work on the Christmas decorations. Mayor Hancock advised that season greetings had been received from our Sister City in New Zealand. The July 4th celebration was briefly discussed and Mayor Hancock will appoint a committee to work jointly with the County on this celebration. Mayor Hancock stated a request had been received from the Elks Club asking tree be moved at the entrace of their door. This matter referred to the Public Operations Committee. The Engineering Department will be requested to determine cost for the removal of this tree. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT Mr. Terwilliger had no report. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT ZONING Mr. McKeever had distributed a letter he had forwarded to businesses in the Town informing them of current zoning regulations concerning signs. Mr. McKeever advised that Leo Ginsberg had succeeded in 846 7 .December 20, 1988 CIVIC exempt foundation. The purpose of the foundation is to award PROJECTS schlorships to worthy law school students. This matter referred to the Finance Committee for donation consideration. CENTRAL BUSINESS DIST. Before Council was the 1989 Main Street letter of agreement. This letter 'is to be signed by the Town, Pulaski Main Street, Inc. and the State of Virginia. The signing of the letter is an annual requirement of the Main Street Program. Councilperson Copenhaver so moved that the Town Manager be authorized to sign the 1989 Main Street Letter of Agreement, seconded Councilman W. H. Schrader and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Absent Andrew L. Graham - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye Mr. McKeever stated a new format had been followed in preparing the monthly activity reports. He felt the reports would be more informative in the future. Mr. McKeever advised a ground-breaking ceremony had been suggested for the water treatment plant project. In answer to inquiry regarding Town equipment on property of H. W. Huff, Council was informed the crew was clearing the Town's right-of- way. At 8:12 p.m. Councilman Neighbors made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilman W. H. Schrader and .Carried. Attest: ~ '..N C erk of Council APPROVED: L/' / !/~ ~~ .Mayor December 20, 1988 8468 Addendum .Resolution .Reappointing Ira S. Crawford to the Peppers Ferry Regional Wastewater Treatment Authority WHEREAS, Ira S. Crawford was appointed by the Town Council of the. Town of Pulaski, Virginia, as a member of the .Peppers Ferry .Regional .Wastewater Treatment Authority to fill the unexpired .term of .Mayor .Ratcliffe, which .term is due to expire on December 31, 1988;. and, WHEREAS, .said Council is appreciative of the excellent job done by Mr. Crawford during his present .term; and, WHEREAS, Mr. Crawford .has indicated his willingness to be reappointed to this position; NOW, THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED by the Town Council of the. Town of Pulaski, Virginia, that Mr. Crawford be and .hereby is reappointed for an additional .term as a member of the Peppers .Ferry .Regional .Wastewater Treatment Authority, with his .new term to run from the expiration of his present .term for an additional four (4) years, that is, until .December 31, 1992.. This .Resolution is effective upon adoption and is adopted this 20th .day of December, 1988, by recorded vote of the Council. ORDINANCE TO RESTRICT THE USE AND/OR OPERATION OF SKATEBOARDS ON TOWN SIDEWALKS AND PUBLIC PARKING LOTS 1 BE IT ORDAINED by the Town Council of the. Town of Pulaski, Virginia, sitting in regular .session on .December 20, 1988, that the. Town Code ,be and .hereby is, amended by the. addition of the following section .dealing with skateboards: Sec./G./-33~! Restrictions on Skateboards. (1) The use, riding,. and/or operation of skateboards on any street or public sidewalk of the. Town or on any .parking lot owned or .leased by the Town or the Pulaski Parking Authority is prohibited between sunset and sunrise. (2) The use, riding, and/or operation of skateboards in any .manner which obstructs, hinders, or interferes with the .lawful travel of .pedestrians and motor vehicles is prohibited. A11 motor .vehicles and pedestrians shall be .deemed to .have the right of .way over any .person using, riding and/or operating a skateboard. (3) Violation of this .section shall constitute a traffic violation and shall be punishable by a fine of $25.00 for .each offense. The Town Manager is authorized and directed to assign an appropriate Code number to the foregoing .section. This ordinance is effective upon adoption and is adopted by recorded vote of the Town Council. 1