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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-01-11There were present: Mayor Jettrey S. Worrell Minutes of The Town Councl Meeting Held nnarcn I, zu i i aT i:uu p.m. in me ~.ouncn ~,narnaers of ine rv~unicil~ui Building at 42 First Street, NW. There were present: Mayor Jeffrey S. Worrell ' Council: Morgan P. Welker, H. M. Kidd, David L. Clark, Joel B. Burchett, Jr. Robert A. Bopp, Joseph K. Goodman Staff: John J. Hawley, Town Manager Patricia Cruise, Clerk of Council David Quesenberry, Assistant to the Town Manager R. D. Warburton, Town Attorney Gary Roche, Police Chief John White, Economic Development Director Elizabeth Chitwood, Administrative Secretary Dave Hart, Parks and Facilities Sherry Boyd, Finance Director Bill Pedigo, Town Engineer Others: Clark Payne Layne Burcham Donald R. Martin Jody Lambert Mike Williams, Press Mayor Worrell called the meeting to orde Ronald Hall Janet Jonas C. Cade Stanley Frost Ann King Jerry Collins Diane Collins Tye Kirkner Melinda Williams, Press Amy Matzke-Fawcett, Press at 7:00 p.m. Councilman Kidd led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Bopp gave the invocation. Following roll call, Mayor Worrell welcomed the visitors to the meeting. The first item on the agenda was Public Comment period. Clark Payne inquired whether weight was given to a buildings location when determining the proposed demolitions of buildings in Town? He felt that higher priority should be given to entry ways into the Town. Additionally, he spoke in favor of funding the request from the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission for an annual contribution of $7500.00. He also suggested coordinating with the Flat Picking magazine owner regarding advertising for the Crooked Road. Next, Pastor Jerry Collins addressed Council regarding sewer odors on Bob White Boulevard. He presented a petition form church attendees at Aldersgate United Methodist Church and the Pulaski Church of God and citizens in the Bob White Boulevard area that all efforts be made by the Town to resolve the foul smell that is on the East side of Pulaski, most notably along Bob White Boulevard. Mayor Worrell advised that this topic was on the agenda for later in the meeting, however, it would be addressed out of order. Mr. Hawley explained the work done to date to correct the problem and outlined the plan for the immediate future. Mayor Worrell encouraged the citizens to let the Town know when they detect the odor so that staff could correlate the dates and times with the problem. Councilman Welker inquired whether staff had contacted anyone other than Peppers Ferry Regional Wastewater Authority regarding the problem? Mr. Hawley advised that he had contacted Draper Aden Associates, who had previously worked with the Town on sulfate issues. He was awaiting comment from them. March 1, 2011/Page 1 of 5 I YJiS. Councilman Welker inquired whether a study had been performed to determine whether the sewer line was adequate for the current flow? He pointed out that the industry types and locations were different than in 1958. Mr. Hawley advised that past studies had shown that the capacity was adequate, but without much margin. ' He noted that it had not surcharged or overflowed at any time. Mr. Pedigo interjected that an expert with the company that makes the chemicals used by the Town would be ai the Town the next day. The next item on the agenda was the Consent Agenda. Councilman Clark moved to adopt the Consent Agenda consisting of the minutes of the January 31, 201 1 as written. The motion was seconded by Councilman Welker and carried on voice vote. Mayor Worrell moved on to Project Updates. The first item was Blight Team report. Mr. Hawley advised that a summary of the Blight Team Committee action had been included in the packet. This included a bid list for the next round of demolitions and responses from owners and progress on their properties. He added that no response had been received from Mr. Allen on the cost of his West Main Street property. In reference to Mr. Payne's earlier comments, Mayor Worrell inquired when it comes to demolition, whether location played a part in the selection? Mr. Hawley advised that it did. He added that staff had a checklist including economic impact to the area that was used to prioritize buildings to be demolished. , The next item on the agenda was Dora Highway update. Mr. Hawley advised that a power point presentation had been planned for this meeting. However, due to the length of the meeting, the presentation was being postponed until the next meeting. He added that the Town Attorney was reviewing a draft Memorandum of Agreement with Community Housing Partners to be the Town's lending agent for the project. Mayor Worrell moved on to Museum Update. John White advised that the lease of the Wurno building was not being renewed. Staff felt the remaining artifacts could be stored in the basement of the Municipal building. Next, Mr. Hawley advised that in the packet were two alternatives for the operating budget for the Museum. He explained the difference in the two plans. He reviewed other costs in the operating budget ad advised that the Museum Committee and staff would need to schedule several fundraisers during the year and would also rely on volunteers and donations to offset some of the costs. Discussion ensued regarding charging an entry fee to the Museum with the consensus of Council being no required entry fee. Councilman Goodman expressed his concern with the size of this budget. He felt that real options needed to be found other than relying on volunteers and donations. Mr. Hawley responded that this was a draft budget for discussion purposes and changes could be made. , Councilman Welker inquired whether consideration had been given to using gas rather than electricity for heat? March 1, 201 1 /Page 2 of 5 time the Museum Committee raised almost ~ 1 bAOU without Having a nu is ng for prospecr ve aonors ro see. ne •_u •~_a __ __ ____~_ __..LJ ..,... +M..3 +L... L.. .:LJb... ..,..~ L.vi.... h, ,il+ ...r.ro rlnnn+innc uini ilri ho rcr•ci~mrl Ha Mr. Kirkner advised that it would be possible to add a gas back up for the heat pumps, but in his experience, gas pricing was more volatile than electricity. He also advised regarding the budget discussion, that at one time the Museum Committee raised almost $15,000 without having a building for prospective donors to see. He felt that once people could see that the building was being built, more donations would be received. He added that the building had been designed with multi-purpose uses in mind. For example, a second floor could be built and rented out, and retail space could be designated. Mayor Worrell moved on to Old Business and Historic Tax Credits. He advised that this topic had been discussed and studied in great detail in the last several weeks. He asked Mr. Hawley for an update. Mr. Hawley advised that staff had checked references for Brian Wishneff and Associates, LLP and found them to be acceptablel. He added that he had learned that the Town should expect more staff time than originally discussed and that the company would deliver if the contract was written properly. Staff did not find any other companies that do the same work. He reminded Council of the commitment made to Mr. McMillion to occupy part of the Train Station by April 3, so if Council decided to go forward with the tax credits, all work would have to be complete by that date. He expressed concern for the 50% rule. Following discussion, Councilmen Welker, Clark, Kidd, Burchett and Bopp spoke against the tax credit program Councilman Goodman felt it was an opportunity to reinvest back into the Town. He felt if the contract was written properly there would be no risk to the Town and many benefits. Mayor Worrell commented that it warranted close study, but he was not comfortable with going forward with the program. Councilman Burchett moved to direct staff to cease work on the historic tax credit program for the Train Station. Councilman Clark seconded the motion and carried on the following recorded vote: Morgan P. Welker -Aye Joel B. Burchett, Jr. -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Robert A. Bopp -Aye David L. Clark -Aye Joseph K. Goodman - No At 8:40 p.m., Mayor Worrell called for a ten minute break. At 8:50 p.m., Mayor Worrell reconvened the meeting. The first item for discussion was the audio visual equipment for the Train Station. Mr. Hawley advised that Council had reviewed the estimates for audio visual equipment for the Train Station. He noted that two of the three companies would not warranty the equipment unless They provided all of the equipment. Councilman Welker felt staff should go forward with the estimate from Lee Hartman, with the following changes: 1. Add one extra microphone for a total of two. 2. Run HDMI cable from the projector and the television to the audio visual closet, so that a dvd player or a high definition video or a computer could be added if desired. 3. 2 outdoor speakers placed on the east end of the station. Following discussion, it was decided not to add the outdoor speakers at this time. Councilman Goodman suggested using an Acer Nettop computer to run the video on the television in the hallway. ' Mayor Worrell moved on to insurance for the Train set. Mr. Hawley advised that VaCO Risk Management advised our insurance will cover the move of the train set. March 1, 201 1 /Page 3 of 5 Mayor Worrell advised that this issue had been discussed previously. The scoreboard was in need of repair or The next item on the agenda was Scoreboard. Mayor Worrell advised that this issue had been discussed previously. The scoreboard was in need of repair or replacement. Mr. Hart had a recommendation for Council. Mr. Hart advised that he spoke with a representative of Fair Play regarding replacing the electronics in the scoreboard without having to remove the existing board or re-install a new board. The cost of this would be $16,000, while replacing and installing a new score board would be $20,000. Additionally, replacing the electronics would take much less time. Following discussion, Councilman Clark moved to direct staff to contract with Fair Play to replace the electronics in the scoreboard for $16,000. The motion was seconded by Councilman Welker and carried on the following recorded vote: Morgan P. Welker -Aye Joel B. Burchett, Jr. -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Robert A. Bopp -Aye David L. Clark -Aye Joseph K. Goodman -Aye The next item on the agenda was Ordinance 2011-03, Amending Personnel Classification Plan to Add the Position of Safety Officer. Mayor Worrell advised that this completed action of Council. Councilman Clark moved to adopt Ordinance 201 1-03, Amending Personnel Classification Plan to Add the Position of Safety Officer. The motion was seconded by Councilman Kidd and carried on the following recorded vote: Morgan P. Welker -Aye Joel B. Burchett, Jr. -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Robert A. Bopp -Aye David L. Clark -Aye Joseph K. Goodman -Aye Mayor Worrell moved on to Train Station landscaping/parking plan Mr. Hawley advised that a draft landscaping/parking plan and cost estimate had been provided to Council for review. He advised that the cost would be in the range of $100,000 to $130,000. He suggested that the funds be taken from the proceeds from the sale of Hogan's Reservoir several years ago. Councilman Clark asked whether staff had tried to get sponsors for portions of this project2 He noted that a sign could be put up acknowledging the donation. Mr. Hawley replied that staff had not requested donations, but they would not decline assistance. He added that staff would pursue some donations. Following discussion, staff was asked to provide more options with paving materials and firmer prices to go with each option; pricing on potential outside bathrooms for the public; an update on the availability of money from the insurance company for contents on the building. Mayor Worrell moved on to New Business. The first item was Heartwood/Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission Mr. Hawley advised of the receipt of a new request from the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission to fund the Crooked Road, Round The Mountain, Great Migration Trail ~ihe Wilderness Road segment) and Heartwood Visitor Center. He noted that the request was for $7,500, which was more than was budgeted last year. March 1, 201 1 /Page 4 of 5 i ne next item on the agenda was Crooked Road appointee. mayor worreu suggesrea rnar ne and possiory me sown nnanager meet with representatives of the CounTy To make a joint response to the Commission's request. The next item on the agenda was Crooked Road appointee. C Mr. Hawley advised that the Crooked Road had requested that Council appoint someone To their Board of Directors. Volunteers will be solicited. At 9:30 p.m., Council entered into Closed Session under Virginia Code 2.2-371 1 (A-1 ), Discussion, consideration or interviews of prospective candidates for employment; assignment; appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining or resignation of specific public officer, appointees or employees of any public body on motion by Councilman Clark. Councilman Kidd seconded the motion and carried on the following recorded vote: Morgan P. Welker -Aye Joel B. Burchett, Jr. -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Robert A. Bopp -Aye David L. Clark -Aye Joseph K. Goodman -Aye AT 10:13 p. m, Council returned from Closed Session and adopted the Certification Resolution on motion by Councilman Clark, seconded by Councilman Welker and carried on the following recorded vote: Morgan P. Welker -Aye Joel B. Burchett, Jr. -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Robert A. Bopp -Aye David L. Clark -Aye Joseph K. Goodman -Aye There being no further business, the meeting adjourned on motion by Councilman Welker, seconded by Councilman Kidd and so carried. L n Approved: ^ ~~~ y S. Worrell, Mayor March 1, 201 1 /Page 5 of 5