HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-14-11Washington.
Minutes of the Called Town Council Meeting held on April 14, 201 1 at 6:00 p.m. at the Train Station at 20 North
Washington.
There were present: Mayor Jeffrey S. Worrell ,
Council: Morgan P. Welker, H. M. Kidd, David L. Clark, Joel B. Burchett, Jr. (arrived at 6:07 p.m.),
Robert A. Bopp, Joseph K. Goodman
Town Staff Present: John J. Hawley, Town Manager
Patricia Cruise, Clerk of Council
R. D. Warburton, Town Attorney
Gary Roche, Police Chief
Bill Pedigo, Town Engineer
According to the Sign In Sheet, the following were in attendance:
David Nutter Pete Huber Joe Sheffey
Bob Spieldenner Deborah Pedigo Willie Richardson
Melinda Williams, Press Amy Matzke-Fawcett- Press
Mayor Worrell called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
He welcomed everyone in attendance. He noted the presence of Board of Supervisor Chairman Joe Sheffey
and Delegate Dave Nutter.
Mayor Worrell summarized the damage caused by the tornado that struck Pulaski. He noted that there was no
record of a tornado ever touching down in Pulaski before. He added that there were several injuries, but
miraculously, no fatalities in the event. He advised that damages are in the millions. He expressed
appreciation for the phenomenal response by Town and County staff, rescue workers, volunteers, faith based '
organizations and the public. He noted that Government representatives had been in contact, or visited the
Town and pledged their help. He asked John Hawley to outline the format for the evenings meeting.
Mr. Hawley provided the format for the meeting and asked Willie Richardson, the VDEM District Manager, to
address Council.
Mr. Richardson provided an overview of the actions taken from the time that the tornado hit until the meeting.
He emphasized that it would take the community a long time to recover and heal from the event.
Next, Pete Huber, Pulaski County Administrator, addressed Council summarizing the actions taken by the
County to organize the areas of destruction. He advised that they were seeking a volunteer coordinator to
work with all the volunteers in the designated zones. He added that "they plan to see this through until
everything's squared away"
Next, Mr. Sheffey addressed Council complimenting the Town and County and volunteers for working together
for the betterment of the Town and the County.
Mr. Hawley asked Gary Roche, Police Chief to update Council on the progress in his department.
Chief Roche provided an overview of the actions taken by his department and with the assistance of the
Virginia State Police, Dublin Police Department, Pulaski County Sheriff's office, Radford Police Department, and
other area police departments and agencies in aiding the Town.
Next, Bill Pedigo addressed Council provided an overview of the work accomplished by the Public Works '
department and with the assistance of Giles County, Christiansburg, the City of Radford, and the City of Salem.
He listed some of the damage to Town properties. He noted that the set up and use of the temporary debris
site had been very helpful and thanked VDEM and the Hazmat team for their assistance.
April 14, 2011/Page 1 of 2
Mr. Hawley reviewed the Recovery Efforts Summary that had been provided to the attendees.
Mayor Worrell added that the large parking lot behind the former Renfro plant had been set up as a drop site
' for debris from the tornado affected area. A Hazmat team was on site to deal with any hazardous material
brought to the site.
Delegate Nutter commended all of the agencies, Town's, County's, and volunteers for working together in this
emergency.
Mr. Hawley read an email from Bill Parker, Town Manager of the Town of Dublin advising that Mayor Skeens
offered free warehousing space to any residents of the Town of Pulaski and the Draper area who need to store
their belongings while rebuilding. He also offered space to the Town and County for emergency equipment or
provisions.
Next, all of the Councilmen complimented Town staff, the County, the state and volunteer workers for the great
response to this tragedy. They opined thaT it would take a long time, but the Town would rebuild and rebuild
better.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Approved:
Worrell, Mayor
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