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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-20-908692 February X01990 Minutes of the regular meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held February 20, 1990, 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, Robert N. Glenn Also Present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney Don E. Holycross, Town Manager Anne Burgess, Assistant Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: Wayne Quesenberry, Madelyn Rosenberg and Mike Sheets, news media Don Crispin Ethel Fagg John Hawley Don Holycross, Sr. Mrs. Don Holycross, Jr. Ernest Hudson Sharon Cox Five area citizens The invocation was given by Councilman J. R. Schrader, Jr. The first item was an Executive Session on a Personnel Matter, 2.1- 344 Al on motion made by Councilman W. H. Schrader, seconded by Vice Mayor Neighbors and carried on the following recorded vote: James M. Neblett - Aye J. R. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Mary Lou Copenhaver - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye At 7:00 p.m. Mayor Hancock called the regular meeting of Council to order. On motion made by Councilwoman Holston, seconded by Councilman W. H. Schrader, and carried, the reading of the Certification Resolution was waived. Vice Mayor Neighbors so moved that Certification Resolution be adopted, 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 Robert N. Glenn - Aye Gary C. Hancock - Aye February 20, 1990 8693 WHEREAS, the Pulaski Town Council has convened an executive meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmation 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'v knowledge, (i) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the executive meeting to which this certification resolution applies, and (ii) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the executive meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Pulaski Town Council. Councilwoman Holston made a motion that the minutes of the regular meeting of February 6, 1990, be approved as recorded, seconded by Councilman Glenn, and so carried. PI1B11IC ~~ As advertised, a public hearing was scheduled for this meeting to O~OL gain public input on a specific Community Development Block Grant SF~~ proposal, a Cool Springs Neighborhood Improvement Project. Mr. GRANT Holycross stated the application would be in the amount of $700,000 to be submitted to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. The proposed project would be known as the Cool Springs Neighborhood Improvement project and could include street improvements, water and sewer improvements, drainage improvements, street lights and a neighborhood park. The Cool Springs neighborhood was chosen because of the comprehensive need for services in this area. Mr. Holycross also stated we were still gathering information and support of the application and it is estimated that 120 property owners would be affected of which 100 are low to moderate income. The deadline for grant application is March 9, 1990. Mr. Ernest Hudson Jr. presented a letter requesting that a bridge be constructed from Dora Highway to Route 99 to give citizens easier BRAE access to this portion of Town. He suggested that the bridge cross Peak Creek at Lafayette Avenue south to Birch Street on Dora Highway. This matter referred to the Public Operations Committee. There were no further comments from the public for or against this proposal. A resolution was presented authorizing submission of the application. Councilman Neblett so moved that reading of the resolution be waived, seconded by Councilwoman Copenhaver and carried. Councilman Neblett made a motion that Resolution be adopted, seconded by Councilwoman Holston and carried on the following recorded vote: ~ James M. Neblett - Aye Andrew L. Graham - Aye ~~ ~ J. R. GRANT Schrader, Jr. - Aye W. H. Schrader, Jr. - Aye Mary APPTTC' Lou Copenhaver - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye James R. Neighbors - Aye Robert N. Glenn - Aye 8694 February 20, 1990 OOOL SPRIl~GS (~P,IVI' RESOI i Ti'T()N RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED that pursuant to public hearings, the Town of Pulaski wishes to apply for $700,000 of Virginia Community Development Block Grant funds for the Cool Springs Neighborhood Improvement Project. WHEREAS, it is projected that 120 persons will benefit from housing rehabilitation activities and improved road, sewer, and recreation services of which 100 will be low and moderate income persons; and WHEREAS, the Town Council hereby agrees to comply with all necessary rules, regulations and assurances in conjunction with this grant; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Manager is hereby authorized to sign and submit the appropriate documents for submittal of this Virginia Community Development Block Grant application. THIS RESOLUTION is adopted this 20th day of February, 1990, by recorded vote of the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia. PJBLSC The second public hearing was a requested East-West alley closing ~~ in Block 229, on the West side of Peach Street. Mayor Hancock stated ~y that this alley had never been developed. Mr. Holycross advised that ~~ Sharon Cox, step-daughter and court appointed guardian of James Hill, who owns property along this undeveloped alley, had made the request that this alley be vacated. The department heads have indicated that they have no objection to this alley closing. From the public, Mr. Kress stated that if apartment buildings were built on this property, that Peach Street could not carry the traffic. Ms. Cox reported that it is not planned that apartments would be built on these lots. Councilman Graham so moved that the alley be closed, and Mr. Terwilliger requested to prepare ordinance, seconded by Councilman J. Schrader 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 Robert N. Glenn - Aye Mayor Hancock introduced Mike Sheets, WPSK, to the Council Meeting. As there were no further comments from the public, Mayor Hancock called for Council Committee reports. UTILITIES COMMITTEE Chairman Neblett had no Utilities Committee report, however, he stated there was a report concerning the Ad-Hoc Recreation Committee. R~RFA Mr. Holycross stated the Ad-Hoc Committee recommended to the Council ~~ that a County wide recreational authority be established for the purposes of programming youth sports. The Finance Committee has reviewed this and he understood that Council may be in favor of the concept but needs some further clarification before supporting the proposal in full. It was recommended to Council that a letter be February 20, 1990 8695 prepared to the Ad-Hoc Recreation Committee indicating that we support the basic concept of a coordinated County wide youth sports program but the whole matter be referred back to the Ad-Hoc Committee for additional study, particularly to address several items. One being the creation of a commission or board in lieu of the recreational authority so it could be tried on a trial basis. Also that the Ad Hoc Committee further study the proposed budget of $140,000 to determine whether this budget is adequate, particularly if the Town's program is included within this, and that the proposed $20,000 contribution from the Town of Pulaski be reconsidered and that is primarily because we are operating our own comprehensive program. It is our understanding that what the Ad-Hoc Committee is proposing would not improve and increase services within the Town but would merely complement those services by providing similar programs in the County area. Mr. Holycross also requested that the Ad Hoc Committee clarify whether the Recreational Authority, Board or Commission would contract with the Town for administering the youth sports program within the Town limits only or whether the contract would be with the Town to coordinate and administer the program on a County wide basis. Councilman Glenn so moved that a letter be written to the Ad Hoc Committee to include the recommendations of Mr. Holycross, seconded by Vice Mayor Neighbors and carried. ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman W. H. Schrader had no report. PUBLIC & PERSONNEL RELATIONS, NOMINATING COMMITTEE ~S• Chairperson Copenhaver made a motion that Philip M. Sadler and Norris Spraker be reappointed to the Re-Development & Housing Authority, effective immediately, seconded by Vice Mayor Neighbors and carried. NRRA Chairperson Copenhaver made a motion that Council recommend to the County Board of Supervisors that Don Holycross, Town Manager, replace our former Town Manager Dan McKeever to the New River Resource Authority and that this appointment be effective immediately. Motion seconded by Councilman J. R. Schrader. Councilman Glenn was agreeable to Mr. Holycross's interest in the Authority, but he did not feel that in the long term that it was best to have administrative personnel serving on the authorities due to potential conflict of interests. He did not anticipate this to be the case with Mr. Holycross but this was his personnel opinion from how it has been handled in the past that we tend to let our administrative people do too much of this type of work. Motion then carried. PUBLIC OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Chairman Graham stated the committee had met and made several field visits, however, they had nothing to report that required Council's action at this time. FINANCE COMMITTEE 8696 February 20, 1990 ~~ Chairman Neighbors stated that Mr. Crawford, the Town's FERRY representative on Peppers Ferry Regional Wastewater Treatment Authority had advised that the fees had been reduced from $840 per million gallons to $755 per million gallons as of February 1, 1990. The fees will be reviewed again in April. MAYOR'S REPORT ~~ Mayor Hancock advised that Delegate Baker had informed him that i STATION was hoped that $10,000 would be in State budget for the train station. Mayor Hancock also reported that he would be talking with Senator Bird to see if funds were available. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT Mr. Terwilliger had no report. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT ~~ Mr. Holycross reported that bids had been received for the disassembly of the Ironto Bridge ranging from a low of $7,497 to a high of $88,000. Councilman Neblett moved that Council accept the low bid from Rockbridge Excavation of $7,497 to include performance bond and authorize the Town Manager to enter into a contract with the low bidder. Motion seconded by Councilman W. H. Schrader 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 Robert N. Glenn - Aye Mr. Sam Campbell, legal counsel for Carolyn and Carl Hager, again WATER addressed Council in reference to a water leak between the meter and her business (laundrymat) on Bob White Blvd. Mr. Campbell had previously addressed the Utilities Committee on December 4, 1989, with the complaint of loss of water due to this break. He stated the Hagers had requested assistance from the Town in locating the leak and they were unable to get help, either in locating the leak or turning off the cutoff valve. An outside contractor found and repaired leak which was on the Hager's side of meter. Mr. Campbell distributed a graph illustrating the water usage at this business. Councilwoman Holston made a motion that this matter be referred back to the Utilities Committee with answer to be provided within 30 days. Motion seconded by Councilman Glenn and carried. All members of Council will be invited to this Utilities Committee Meeting. '~AFF'IO Councilman Glenn brought two traffic control concerns to Council: A) Placement of a stop sign on Prospect Avenue at the intersection of Prospect and 10th Street NW and B} the placement of a stop sign on Hermosa Drive at the intersection with Sylvan Drive. The staff was February 20, 1990 8697 requested to review these two areas of concern. Councilman Glenn also proposed that Council review the matter of our employee health care plan to change the effective date from the current December/January renewal to a June/July renewal to avoid rate adjustments at the Christmas season. This concern referred to the Finance Committee for their review. Councilman J. R. Schrader suggested that ramps for the handicapped on sidewalk be painted/marked. Mr. Holycross is to look into this matter. At 8:05 p.m. Vice Mayor Neighbors made a motion that Council go into Executive Session on a Real Estate Matter under 2.1-344 A3, seconded by Councilman W. H. Schrader 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 Robert N. Glenn - Aye At 8:20 p.m. Council returned to regular session and waived reading of the Certification Resolution on motion made by Vice Mayor Neighbors, seconded by Councilman W. H. Schrader and carried. Vice Mayor Neighbors moved that Certification Resolution be adopted, seconded by Councilman Neblett 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 Robert N. Glenn - Aye CERTIFICATION RESOLUTION Pulaski Town Council WHEREAS, the Pulaski Town Council has convened an executive meting on this date pursuant to an affirmation recorded vote and in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and WHEREAS, 5.2.1-344.1 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, (i) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the executive meeting to which this certification resolution applies, and (ii) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the executive meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Pulaski Town Council. At 8:23 p.m. Councilman Neblett made a motion that Council adjourn, seconded by Vice Mayor Neighbors, and carried. APPROVED: _ Mayor Attest: ~~~ ~ ~ Clerk of Council