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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-06-83December 6, 1983 ~~ ~~ Minutes of_ the Regular .Meeting of the Pulaski Town Council held December 6, 1983, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building. There were present: Mayor Raymond F. Ratcliffe, presiding Councilmembers: John A. Johnston, Pauline G. Mitchell, James M. Neblett, C. E. Boyd, Jr., Andrew L. Graham, Jr., Ira S. Crawford, Alma H. Holston, Glen K. Aust Also present: Garnett Moore, Town Attorney D. E. McKeever, Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk Visitors: Dee Lindsey and Eric Randall of the news media H. W. Huff Joe Shumate Vickie Futrell Mr. & Mrs. Mark Surber Herman Largen Robert Boysaw John Hawley 2 area citizens The invocation was given by Councilman Neblett. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 15, 1983, and the minutes of the Special Meetings of November 17 and November 21, 1983, were approved as recorded.. Mr. Dan McKeever advised that at last Council Meeting he had been authorized to examine the process for selection of the Chief of Police and it was his rec- ommendation that Acting Chief of Police Joe Williams be placed in this position. Councilman Neblett so moved that Joe Williams be appointed Chief of Police I JOE WILLIAMS APPOINTED CHIEF OF POLICE for the Town of Pulaski effective December 1, 1983, seconded by Councilman Boyd. Councilperson Mitchell requested that the Chief of Police wear a uniform. Councilman Aust stated he felt Council would be taking a great step fow~rd our Police Department as Mr. Williams had all the qualifications, and had good relationships with public and the Police Department. Motion carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - No Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye Mayor F.atcliffe advised that it was now the time and place that had been I PUBLIC HEAR- publicized to have a public hearing on the issuance of Taxi Cab Certificates ING TAXI CABS for the year 1984. Mr. McKeever stated that during calendar year 1983, the Town approved sixteen certificates to be issued for operation of taxicabs as follows: Blue & White Cabs 13, Deluxe Cabs 2 and E.V. Davis Cabs 1. The applications we have received for calendar year 1984 are Blue & White Cabs 13 and Deluxe Cabs 2. He recommended . that we issue 15 certificates for the operation of taxicabs in the Town of Pulaski for the calendar year 1984. Councilman Boyd made a motion in accordance with Section 26-38 of the Town Code, the Town of Pulaski issue 15 certificates for the operation of taxicabs for calendar year 1984, seconded by Councilman Aust, and carried on the following pecorded vote: 15 TAXICAB John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Certificates Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye Issued James M. Neblett - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye Councilman Aust made a motion that in accordance with Section 26-18 of the (CERTIFICATES ISSUED Town Code, the Town of Pulaski issue certificates for operation of taxicabs to the following applicants: Blue & White Cabs, Inc. 13 certificates and Deluxe Cabs ~~~~~ December 6, 1983 2 certificates, seconded by Councilperson Holston and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye PUBLIC HEARING Mayor Ratcliffe advised that it was noti' the time and place that had been FLOOD INSURANCEublicized to have a PROGRAM p public hearing on the Flood Insurance Program. Messrs. H. W. Huff, Jr., Joe Shumate and Douglas Aust addressed Council with their objections to the Flood Insurance Program. (Synopsis attached to permanent copy of this Council Meeting). Councilperson Mitchell stated she was not in favor of passing a 1978 map in order to get under the 90 day period, and come back later and pass a 1983 map. She felt this would hurt a lot of people, and this was a hurdle we're trying to put over for consolidation which is still in the making and will be coming back within the near future. She further stated she was not in favor of passing the Flood Plain Insurance. Councilman Graham stated Council should study what has been said tonight and bring to vote very shortly. Mr. McKeever stated the FEMA can grant variances, and the Town would manage this program for them, but approval would have to come from FEMA. Councilman Graham made a motion that Council study all the information FLOOD INS. available in depth along with Town Attorney and this subject be put on the ON AGENDA agenda for the December 20, 1983, Council Meeting, seconded by Councilman Boyd FOR NEXT Meeting and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham,Jr. -Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M.Neblett - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye As there were no further comments from the public, Mayor Ratcliffe called for Council Committee reports. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE Chairman Johnston stated the Personnel Committee had met twice, and further made a motion that Council set Mr. Dan McKeever's and Mr. Joe Williams' SALARIES- salary based on the levels that are recommended in the Pay and Classification MCKEEVER & plan to be effective December 1, 1983, seconded by Councilman Boyd and carried WILLIAMS on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye Chairman Johnston made a motion that Town Attorney prepare a Resolution appointed Mr. R. William Propst to the Town Planning Commission as his term expires 12/31/83, seconded by Councilman Graham, and carried. PEDDLERS Chairman Johnston made a motion that Mr. D. Victor Bolling be appointed ITINERANT as citizen representative, along with Mr. Aust, on the joint study by the MERCHANTS Town of Pulaski, Town of Dublin and the County of the peddlers itinerant LICENSE JOINT STUDY merchants license as previously appointee was unable to accept, seconded by Councilperson Holston and carried. The Personnel Policy Manual was discussed and Mr. McKeever clarified compensation time in stating the Town employees could carry no more than 40 hours comp. time at any one time. Mr. Moore stated that Ordinance could be ~1 u changed by amending addendum. Town Manager could make minor changes in policy. December 6 ~ 1983 ~~ ~~ Councilman Graham made a motion that the Ordinance Committee review this policy and bring back to Council for vote next Council Meeting, seconded by Councilman Boyd, and carried. POLLUTION AND SANITATION Chairperson Mitchell stated we do have litter blowing at Landfill according to the inspection report. She further stated that they had asked for information on the paint waste and flyash, with Mr. McKeever advising that we were providing them with this information. Chairperson Mitchell further advised that a committee meeting had been held and a movie was shown on garbage disposal, and a new method of picking up garbage. Chairperson Mitchell further stated that sometime in the future, maybe the Town could go to this method, saving money and being more efficient. RECREATION COMMITTEE Chairman Neblett had no report. LAND AND BUILDING COMMITTEE Chairman Boyd made a motion that Mr. McKeever be authorized to remove parking downtown Parking meter poles from downtown area and also installing flag holders, seconded by Meter Councilman Aust, and carried. Poles to be removed. Chairman Boyd stated that Town was founded in 1886 and in 1986 we will be ready for a centennial, and moved that Council authorize Mr. McKeever to make a line item in the .1984 budget for the purpose of funding toward the Centennial CENTENNIAL to be spent directly for that purpose. Also, that Council give Mr. McKeever the authority to advertise in the local newspaper for volunteers who would like to work on this committee by submitting a letter, seconded by Councilman Aust and carried. FINANCE COMMITTEE Chairman Graham advised the Finance Committee had met with Town Manager and Staff concerning the application of the UDAG Grant. Chairman Graham further complimented Mr. McKeever and Staff on the preparation of this grant. E M CO N O I C Chairman Graham stated that Council needed to formally approve the terms of ST ~ ~S I ~ J & UDAG RANT repayment that have been informally agreed upon and included in the UDAG application. TERMS OF The terms of repayment on both the UDAG Grant and the Economic Stimulus Grant are: REPAYMENT a 10 year note, first three years both principle and interest deferred and re- payment over the next seven years at 3~ interest. Chairman Graham made a motion that the financial arrangements for partial funding for renovation of the Coleman Furniture Plant by Pulaski Furniture submitted with the UDAG grant by the Town of Pulaski be approved by Council, seconded by Councilman Neblett, and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Abstain James M. Neblett - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye (Councilman Crawford abstained as he is a member of Management of Pulaski Furniture Corp.) STREET COMMITTEE Chairman Crawford advised the Street Committee had met November 21, 1983. WARD Chairman Crawford stated that approvals to move poles on Ward Lane had been LANE received and we are now ready to widen this street. The committee discussed the Bob White Blvd. and Memorial Drive traffic problem and a traffic count has been taken. At this point, data has not been evaluated. Chairman Crawford made a motion that immediate repairs be made to some of ALUM SPRING the potholes on Alum Spring Road, shortly after entering the road from U.S. 11, ROAD REPAIR and a 12" asphalt overlay be placed on Alum Spring Road from Snider Lane to the ~~ ~~ December 6, 1983 corporate limits, seconded by Councilman Boyd and carried. GUARDRAIL Chairman Crawford made a motion that the Town install a guardrail in front CHILD CARE of the Child Care Center on First St. and Floyd Ave. owned by Ms. Hager at a CENTER cost of $377.75, seconded by Councilman Graham and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye Chairman Crawford advised that the Street Committee had discussed the SIDEWALK- side walk on First Street from the Municipal Building to Jefferson Avenue MUNICIPAL and moved that at some period in the future, this sidewalk be identified BLDG. TO JEFFERSON as a priority project, seconded by Councilman Graham and carried. The Street Committee also discussed the Johnson Street bridge replacement. The recommendation made that the Town seek an alternative to replacing the Johnson Street bridge. The alternative is establishing a right of way from Main Street to Johnson Street and eliminating the bridge. The Committee agreed to contact the State Highway Department to see if they were willing JOHNSON ST. to allow the Town to replace the bridge. Since this meeting, the Town has BRIDGE been advised that federal funding could be used to establish a right of way from Main Street to Johnson Avenue and eliminate the bridge. Chairman Craw- ford so moved that we proceed as outlined above, seconded by Councilman Graham and carried. Chairman Crawford made a motion that the Town approve a request of Mrs. Bernice Wilson to place curb and gutter in front of her property on her side CURB & GUTTER of the Street on Medallion Drive, with Mrs. Wilson paying one-half the cost, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried on the following recorded vote: John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye Chairman Crawford advised that it was his belief that all items were now cleared .from th.e Street Committee. ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Chairperson Holston had no report, however, Mr. Moore presented and read a Resolution on maintenance agreement for the Peak Creek drainage channel. This 'Resolution invalidates the Resolution adopted on October RESOLUTION 18, 1983. Chairperson Holston moved adoption of Resolution as read, MAINT. AGREEMENT seconded by Councilman Aust and carried on the following recorded voter PEAK CREEK John A. Johnston - Aye Andrew L. Graham, Jr. - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye Ira S. Crawford - Aye James M. Neblett - Aye Alma H. Holston - Aye C. E. Boyd, Jr. - Aye Glen K. Aust - Aye RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the Town of Pulaski has under consideration and contemplates returning to the Federal Flood Insurance Program and has been advised that it is necessary for it to adopt some type of maintenance agreement for the Peak Creek drainage channel; and WHEREAS, the Town of Pulaski has recently dredged the Peak Creek Channel to a depth which meets the requirements of the Federal Program, and • desires by this Resolution to agree to, and obligate the Town to keep the Peak Creek channel at a level as stipulated in the Federal Program; and December 6, 1983 ~~ YJ WHEREAS, Peak Creek now flows through the channel on its natural bottom and is not an improved open drainage course with an established concrete or other type of man-made bottom; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, meeting in Regular Session on this 6th day of December, 1983, that the Town agrees to the following: (1) To keep the bottom of Peak Creek dredged to a point which equals the stream bed (bottom) profile as outlined in the revised Federal Insurance Administration Flood Insurance Study, Panels O1P and 02P, the Peak Creek flood profiles. (2) To inspect at least on a quarterly basis the said channel and re- port any buildup or other changes to the Manager of the Town of Pulaski, who will determine from time to time if maintenance thereon is being performed. (3) To perform maintenance on said Peak Creek as often as necessary to keep this course free from debris and any wild growth above the height of eighteen inches on the natural bottom grade. (4) To have an inspection for sedimentation in said Creek bed at least one time per year and to dredge and maintain said channel as often as necessary to keep the sedimentation from exceeding twelve inches in depth above the bottom grade. (5) To determine the depth of the sedimentation the Town will have a professional engineer registered in the State of Virginia to coordinate and review the bottom profile of said channel. The Town by this Resolution binds itself and succeeding Town Council upon the above duties and obligations, and does further authorize that the Town Manager send certified copies of this Resolution to all appropriate Federal agencies. This Resolution invalidates the Resolution adopted on October 18, 1983, by the Town of Pulaski, and shall become effective upon adoption. Adopted this 6th day of December, 1983, by recorded vote of Council. Chairperson Holston called an Ordinance Committee meeting for Monday, December 12, 1983, at 5:00 p.m. to review the Personnel Policy Ordinance. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE Chairman Aust had no report. REPORT OF MAYOR Mayor Ratcliffe advised he was in -receipt of a letter from Councilman Ira DIS. POT S. Crawford to publicly disclose the potential for a conflict of interest that he CONFLICT had concerning the Urban Development Action Grant, the Town of Pulaski and Pulaski OF INTEREST Furniture Corp. Mayor Ratcliffe proceeded to read this letter to Council, and LETTER Councilman Graham made a motion this letter be received and made part of the minutes, Council- man seconded by Councilman Boyd, and carried. Crawford The Honorable Raymond F. Ratcliffe Mayor, Town of Pulaski 42 First Street, NW Pulaski, Virginia 24301 Dear Mayor Ratcliffe: The purpose of this letter is to publicly disclose the potential for a conflict of interest that I have concerning the Urban Development Action Grant, the Town of Pulaski and Pulaski Furniture Corporation. Pulaski Furniture Corporation may benefit from a favorable ruling on the Urban Development Action Grant recently submitted by the Town. As you know, I am a paid officer of Pulaski Furniture Corporation and a member of Town Council. I have to date, and will in the future, abstain on all votes and discussion pertaining to the Urban Development Action-Grant and any other public funding concerning the renovation of the Coleman Furniture project. r- ~~~~ December 6, 1983 Because of the above s ated position, I do not feel I have a conflict of interest. Sincerely, (s) Ira S. Crawford Mayor Ratcliffe stated we were working hard on the water system in the Cool Springs Area and under rules and regulations, they state they will not build a tank any larger than actually needed at the present time to furnish houses they will serve. Mayor Ratcliffe asked that Council take a serious look at this tank before it is ordered. It may be that we will be able to fund a larger tank. REPORT OF TOWN MANAGER Mr. McKeever advised we had received a mobile home application from the Original Church of God and its Trustees to place a mobile home at 1045 Crescent Street and recommended we schedule a public hearing for the December 20 Council Meeting. Councilman Graham moved that a public hearing be scheduled for the Council Meeting of December 20, 1983, to consider mobile home application of the Original Church of God and Trustees, seconded by Councilman Boyd and carried. Mr. McKeever stated a request had been received from Pulaski County in reference to installing water in the Brookmont Road area. They have requested two things from us, 1) what is the position of Council on the PSA serving customers COUNTYS' in the one mile service area; and 2) a waiver to permit the PSA to connect to the REQUEST Town's water main without installing a master meter. In reference to item 1, the WATER- BROOKMONT Brookmont Road area has long been in need of water and it would be a positive AREA move to allow the PSA to service this area. In reference to item 2 it raises some different questions. By installing a master meter, the Town is able to record the total actual amount of water being used by the customer. If only house meters are installed, any break in the line without a master meter, would not be recorded. With a master meter, any break in the line would be recorded. After discussion by Council, Councilperson Holston so moved that the I CEMETERY SPACES Utilities Committee look into the water for the Brookmont Road area, seconded by Councilman Crawford, and carried. Mr. McKeever stated the Town has been approached by Ms. Blanche Messner who indicated a desire to sell lot 2, section H in Oakwood Cemetery back to the Town. This lot is 15 ft. by 30 ft. containing six spaces. According to policy, the Town would purchase this lot at $50.00 per space. This lot was examined by the Engineering Department and found to be occupied by a large tree with an extensive root system. Also, a portion of the lot includes a steep slope. Mr. McKeever felt this lot would be difficult to sell. Councilman Boyd made a motion that Town Manager be authorized to notify Ms. Blanche Messner that the Town does not choose to repurchase cemetery lot 2, and she is allowed to sell lot on open market, seconded by Councilman Neblett and carried. Mr. McKeever advised the Police Department has received a $4,500.00 HIGHWAY SAFETY GRANT POLICE DEPT. Highway Safety Grant to implement a Computerized Traffic Record System. The grant funds will be used to purchase a small micro computer in order that traffic and accident reports, traffic summons and environmental features such as traffic lights, speed limits be entered into the computer to identify high accident areas. The project is for one year duration only and no local funds are necessary to fund the project other than the salaries of the personnel who will be operating the equipment. 1 December 6, 1983~~~y Mr. McKeever stated .the County has expressed interest to meet with us concerning Pepper's Ferry topics. We are still awaiting the information on the flow in-.the Wurno line. There was a blockage recently that prohibited us from determining the flow, and most probably there is a leakage in this line. Mr. McKeever will set up meeting with the County on this subject. Mr. McKeever further advised that VML meeting scheduled 12/7/83 had been changed from Hotel Roanoke to the Sheraton, Airport in Roanoke. Councilperson Mitchell questioned the railroad crossing, asking if we could obtain a grant with Mr. McKeever stating that possibly Highway Safety funding could be obtained in the Spring of next year. Councilperson Mitchell asked about the cost of County fire calls and this item is in the Finance Committee for their review. Councilperson Mitchell further asked about what the Recreation Department has made this year and put back into the budget with Mr. McKeever advising this information was in the Monthly Financial Report from the Treasurer's Department. Mr. McKeever further advised that the Recreation Department roof was not replaced; only a hole repaired. At 8:35 p.m. Councilman Graham made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Council- man Boyd, and carried. APPROVED: Attest: ~.~e.~=,L CSC - -.!V a,.vt,~.i-C~ Clerk of Council J