Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-19-898611 September 19, 1989 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held September 19, 1989, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were present: Mayor Gary C. Hancock, presiding Council Members: James M. Neblett, J. R. Schrader, Jr., Mary Lou Copenhaver, James R. Neighbors, Andrew L. Graham, W. H. Schrader, Jr., Alma H. Holston, Ira S. Crawford Also Present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney Anne Burgess, Interim Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: Dee Lindsey and Madelyn Rosenberg of the news media Doug Phelps Mrs. Bob Whitman Mr. Randolph Don Crispin Mr. & Mrs. J. C. Montgomery Mrs. Virginia Collins Claud Kirkland Mrs. Frank Gilbert The invocation was given by Vice Mayor Neighbors. On motion made by Councilwoman Holston, seconded by Councilwoman Copenhaver and carried, the minutes of the regular meeting of September 5, 1989, and minutes of the special meeting of September 7, 1989, were approved as recorded. CENTRAL Mr. Doug Phelps, Main Street Project Manager, gave an 18 month BUSINESS progress report on Main Street program. He advised that in comparing with the other communities that began the program in 1987 with Pulaski, DIST. that we are at the top or in second place in all categories. He reported that we have had eight promotions downtown, with 12,500 people attending. Our volunteers total 60. There have been 23 net new businesses to start up with approximately 5812,000 privately invested in the downtown. There have been 26 jobs created since the inception of the Main Street Program. Mayor Hancock expressed Council's appreciation to Mr. Phelps for his efforts on this program and also for his involvement in other civic endeavors. SIDEWALK Mrs. Jeanne Whitman and Mrs. Patsy Gilbert addressed Council with the request for a sidewalk at Northwood School as this is a dangerous and highly traveled area for childred to walk. Council has this project under consideration and requested that Mayor Hancock and Councilman Crawford call on the new Superintendent of Schools to ask that they share in the funding of this sidewalk. Also, cost figures are being obtained on a walkway around a large culvert on Northwood Drive. Public September 19, 1989 8612 Operations will field check at next meeting. As there were no further comments from the public, Mayor Hancock called for Council Committee reports. UTILITIES COMMITTEE Chairman Neblett had no report. ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman Schrader had no report. PUBLIC AND PERSONNEL RELATIONS, NOMINATING COMMITTEE Chairman Neighbors presented and read resolution, and so moved that resolution be adopted, seconded by Councilwoman Holston and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye RESOLUTION PERSONNEL Andrew L. Graham - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye CERTIFICATION RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the Pulaski Town Council has convened several executive meetings on September 8 and 13th solely for the purpose of interviewing candidates for the Town Manager position pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and WHEREAS, 52.1-344.1 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by this Pulaski Town Council that such executive meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia law; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the PULASKI TOWN COUNCIL hereby certifies that, to the best of each member's knowledge, the only business conducted during these meetings was for the purpose of interviewing candidates for the Town Manager's position. Chairman Neighbors so moved that the Town Council hold one or more closed meetings in Executive Session at an undisclosed location within the next 15 days for the purpose of interviewing candidates for the position of Town Manager pursuant to Section 2.1-344 Al and 2.1-344.1B. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Copenhaver and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye APPT. Chairman Neighbors so moved that Tracy Dalton be reappointed as a REC. Youth Member to the Recreation Commission for a one year term, with term to expire July 21, 1990, seconded by Councilwoman Holston and carried. Chairman Neighbors requested a Personnel Committee meeting follow- ing the Council Meeting. 8613 September 19, 1989 PUBLIC OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Chairman Graham reported that committee had met. The Spruce Street drainage problem can be corrected by cleaning the existing grate, drain- SPRUCE age pipe and ditching. This is a routine maintenance issue and will be ST. handled administratively. The committee reviewed the on-street parking at John's Grill at PARKING Jefferson and Commerce, and it was recommended that the no parking on curb be eliminated and it marked off for vehicle parking on both sides of the street. There is a visibility problem at this intersection and it was recommended that sign be installed "no large truck or van park- ing" in this area. Ms. Burgess stated it was her understanding that no all the yellow or curb markings would be eliminated; just the minimum distance necessary but some of what is there now will be taken away. Chairman Graham reported that committee discussed the pedestrian SIDEWALK walkway on Northwood Drive below the elementary school and it is hoped that it can be again brought to Council at the next meeting. Chairman Graham advised that committee reviewed phase I of street lighting upgrade and installation on Rt. 99, however, committee felt they should have the total picture of street lighting program. EROSION & The committee reviewed the erosion problems in town and recommended SED. that the Ordinance Committee review and adopt new state laws on erosion CONTROL and sediment control. They further recommended a letter be mailed immediately concerning where we have erosion and sediment problems. Chairman Graham advised that two drainage culverts are needed in KERSEY Kersey Bottom, on Melbourne Ave, and committee has requested cost infor- BOTTOM mation from Engineering. Chairman Graham advised they had reviewed the unpaved roads in To and at present we do not have recommendation for Council. This will b done at a later date. Committee also reviewed sidewalks which had been prioritized. It was indicated Finance Committee would report on this item. Chairman Graham stated committee had discussed the historical bridge located on Rt. 821 in Montgomery County and the gossibility of BRIDGE moving to Peak Creek. Committee felt they did not have financial infor- mation of cost to relocate this bridge. It was felt that the route of trail should also be determined before a decision is made. Ms. Burgess stated that a decision needed to be made by October 3rd or they would rescind the offer. Councilwoman Holston stated they were concerned over the cost and requested that quotes be taken in writing for this project. Mayor Hancock also requested a Public Operations Committee meeting before the next Council meeting. At that time, he hoped Ms. Burgess could report on the various potential routes for the trail and Mr. Terwilliger could report to us on the legal procedures that we would have to undertake to acquire an area for the trail. Mayor Hancock also requested that Ms. Burgess contact the State Department of Parks as Mayor Hancock understood they were very excited about the development of the train station. As it would benefit the State and the use of the State Park, that they might be willing to make some September 19, 1989 8614 contribution toward the development of the trail over to where the train station is. Ms. Burgess stated the Friends of the Trail Group are excited about the train station that they have offered their ser- vices as a group for a day or several days to help work on the station. Mayor Hancock suggested we have a Public Operations Committee meet- ing followed by a Special Council Meeting and then be briefed on this information. He further suggested that the cost be determined of other types of bridges that could be installed. FINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman Crawford advised committee had met September 19 and dis- cussed financing of the Christmas decorations that had been previously approved. It requires $4,950 funding for this fiscal year and the CENT. Finance Committee recommended that this money be taken out of the BUS. current budget by reducing some other expenditures within the budget. DIST. Chairman Crawford stated they did review the street light propo- sal from Appalachian Power upgrading lights on Washington Avenue along APCO Third Street out East Main Street (Rt.99) and installing new lights from the Golden Corral out to Xaloy. We have approximately $50,000 in bond fund for street light improvements. We have made some commit- ments to do street light work in some of the newly annexed areas, however, we do have the cost for this work yet. The Finance Committee felt that they needed to know total costs of what we have committed to do before they render an opinion on upgrading street lights that we already have. The Town Manager has been requested to secure this in- formation. Chairman Crawford stated the committee had reviewed needed side- walk repair and a survey has been made and sidewalks rated. They felt SIDE- that repairs should be made on Valley Road, First St. S.W., 6th Street walks NW and Second St. SW. This work is highway maintenance eligible and to replace/repair these sidewalks would run approximately $42,500 and they agreed the Town administration should go ahead and do this work. Chairman Crawford stated the committee was concerned about the over time that is worked by the Police Department on outside activities/ functions as to how it is handled internally. The Acting Town Manager POLICE has been requested to do a survey of some other towns to ascertain their method of handling these charges. Once report is received, the Finance Committee will make recommendations as to how we should handle. Chairman Crawford stated that the bond fund monies would not be used to purchase the Christmas decorations as had been suggested. in last meeting. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Hancock reported that we would attempt to raise $250,000 for the train station and a fundraiser kick off would be held Septem- N&W ber 21 at 9:30 a.m. Mrs. Virginia Kelly is the chairman of this fundraiser committee. Mayor Hancock stated there would be a public hearing in Roanoke before the Commission on Local Government Structures and Relationships at the Virginia Western Community College on September 25. We are all 8615 September 19, 1989 concerned about the recommendations the Grayson Commission will make as it could have a significant impact on local government. Ms. Burgess stated she would be attending this hearing. Mayor Hancock stated he had received a letter from Jim Stutts, Executive Director of the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society, advising of an award to the Town in recognition and appreciation of out- standing support and achievements for volunteer services rendered by the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society. Mayor Hancock reported that the Town could possibly get up to fif PEAK teen inches of rain during the Hugo hurricane. It was felt that clean CREEK. ing and grubbing of Peak Creek had helped in the control of flooding. Ms. Burgess stated that additional cleaning had been scheduled this week in an attempt to further aid in the anticipated storm flooding. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT Mr. Terwilliger had no report, however, suggested that Council might want Personnel Committee to make the appointment for the Recreation Study Committee, with Councilman Neblett so moving that we do this, seconded by Councilwoman Copenhaver and carried. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Ms. Burgess reported that at last meeting, a public hearing was held on alley encroachment behind the First Methodist Church and staff was asked to obtain input from the Pulaski County Public Service Auth- ority prior to approval. The letter that we have now received from the PSA indicates the 12 ft. clearance will be sufficient to accommodate their vehicles, and it was staff's recommendation that the ordinance be adopted approving the alley encroachment. Councilman Neblett made a motion that ordinance be adopted approv- ing the alley encroachment, seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carri on the following recorded vote: bl A A d L G h - A e James M. Ne ett - ye n rew ra am y J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye ORDINANCE O R D I NAN C E ENCROACHMENT ALLOWING OVERHEAD ENCROACHMENT ON AN ALLEY BEHIND FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH WHEREAS, FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH applied to the Town of Pulaski for permission to construct a walkway across an alley which runs from Fourth Street, N.W. to Third St., N.W. behind the existing buildings of said Church; and, WHEREAS, the Town Administration submitted the request to all department heads for any comments; and, WHEREAS, the Town held a public hearing on said request after advertisement in accordance with the law; NOW, THEREFORE, the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, September 19, 1989 X616 D after due consideration of the matter before it, finds that: 1. The proposed walkway would not interfere with the provision of public services by the Town or its agents, including but not limited to fire and police service and refuse collection; and, 2. The proposed walkway would not obstruct or interfere with the use of the alley by the general public; and, 3. The proposed walkway would serve the public interest by allowing the development of vacant land in a manner which is harmonious with nearby property; ACCORDINGLY, BE IT ORDAINED by the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, sitting in regular session on September 19, 1989, be and hereby are granted the privilege of encroaching upon the aforesaid alley of the Town by constructing an overhead walkway with not less than twelve (12) feet clearance above the alley surface, to connect the existing Church structures with a building proposed to be constructed on vacant Church property fronting on Fourth Street, N.W. PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that said walkway, when constructed, must clearly be marked on each side with the minimum clearance height so as to warn approaching vehicles, and the other entrances to the alley must also be marked with low clearance signs; and, Nothing contained herein will be deemed to excuse compliance with any other applicable law or ordinance of the Town, including but not limited to all applicable building Codes; and The allowance of this encroachment does not run with the land and may not be assigned or transferred without the express prior permission of the Town. THIS ORDINANCE is effective upon adoption and is adopted this 19th day of September, 1989, by recorded vote of the Town Council. VML Ms. Burgess brought to Council's attention, information that has been provided by the Virginia Municipal League concerning the gubena- torial candidates' position on two critical issues for local govern- ment. One of these talking about being in favor of placing a cap on the local real estate tax and on State regulation of downzoning in local zoning ordinances. VML is asking for a prompt response on these postions which could severely restrict local govennmental administration capability. Mayor Hancock advised he was chairman of the Economic Development Subcommittee at Virginia Municipal League and they have discussed these proposals, that is the state becoming involved in what has here-to- fore always been a local decision. Councilwoman Holston suggested tY~is letter go to the Senate Finance and House Finance Committees as well as to both candidates. Councilman J. R. Schrader so moved that letter be submitted as suggested, seconded by Councilman Neighbors and carried. Ms. Burgess reported that letter had been received from Walter Kucharski, Auditor of Public Accounts for the Commonwealth of Virginia,