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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-06-12Minutes of the Town Council meeting held March 6, 2012 in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building: There were present: Mayor: Jeffrey S. Worrell Council: Morgan P. Welker, H. M. Kidd, David L. Clark, Robert A. Bopp, Joseph K. Goodman Greg C. East Staff: John J. Hawley, Town Manager Dave Quesenberry, Asst. to the Town Manager Patricia Cruise, Clerk of Council David Warburton, Town Attorney Dave Hart, Parks and Facilities Director Bill Pedigo, Town Engineer John White, Economic Development Director Gary Roche, Police Chief Sherry Boyd, Finance Director Others: Tina King Gary Heinline Virginia Stoots Jeffrey Stoots Jamie Radcliffe Heather Steele Boy Scout Troop 48: Kris Frazier Garnett Ridpath Valerie Goad Shawn Utt Clark Payne Nick Glenn Mike Williams, Press Melinda Williams, Press Mayor Worrell called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Following roll call, Mayor Worrell thanked the citizens, Council and Town Staff for their support in the death of his mother. Next, Mayor Worrell provided an overview of the life of the Honorable Thornton Lemmon Massie and the "Carroll County Courthouse tragedy" where he lost his life. He noted that the 100th anniversary of that event would be March 14. Several events commemorating that day were scheduled, with one being a ceremony at Oakwood Cemetery. In honor of Judge Massie, a Proclamation had been prepared declaring the fourteenth day of March, 2012 The Honorable Thornton Lemmon Massie Memorial Day in the Town of Pulaski. He read the Proclamation aloud. The next item on the agenda was Public Hearings. Mayor Worrell advised that the Public Hearing was being held to discuss the disposition of public property at 909 Martin Avenue in Pulaski. Mr. Hawley advised that this property was in the tornado damaged area. It had been damaged by fire prior to the tornado, but the winds of the tornado sealed its fate. He added that the owner deeded the property to the Town instead of the Pulaski Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Therefore, it was necessary for the Town to convey the property to Jerry R. Ward, a tornado area victim to allow the Community Development Block Grant money to use this lot for a substantial rehab of the tornado victimized home. Since the lot was currently owned by the Town, a public hearing was required before it could be transferred. Mayor Worrell opened the public hearing at 7:05 p.m. Page 1 of 6/March 6, 2012 Arnold Cressel of 1003 Martin Avenue, expressed interest in possibly purchasing the lot as it was adjacent to his property. He inquired if this was possible? There being no further speakers, the hearing was closed. Discussion ensued regarding whether there was another property that could be used for the Ward home if an agreement was made with Mr. Cressel to purchase the lot. Following more discussion regarding lots, it was determined that the original owner of the property intended for the lot to be used for tornado recovery and the consensus of Council was to follow that intent. Councilman Welker moved to transfer the property at 909 Martin Avenue to Jerry R. Ward. The motion was seconded by Councilman Clark and carried on the following recorded vote: Morgan P. Welker -Aye Robert A. Bopp -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Joseph K. Goodman -Aye David L. Clark -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye Mayor Worrell explained to Mr. Cressel that the Council had chosen to transfer the 909 Martin Avenue to Jerry R. Ward. The next item on the agenda was the Consent Agenda consisting of the February 7, 2012 Council minutes. Mayor Worrell noted that the minutes needed to be amended to show that Vice Mayor Clark called the meeting to order. Councilman Welker added that the first vote shown in the minutes did not include the name of the Councilman who seconded the motion. It was noted that Councilman Kidd seconded that motion. Councilman Clark moved to adopt the February 7, 2012 Council minutes as amended. Councilman Kidd seconded the motion and carried on voice vote. Mayor Worrell moved onto Project Updates. Regarding the Dora Highway Revitalization, Mr. Hawley advised that an outreach session for potential new home owners in the Dora Highway project was scheduled for March 8 at the Train Station. He advised that work was complete at 302 and 306 Miller Lane and that an occupancy permit had been issued for 310 Miller Lane, but landscaping work was still needed. He added that a condemnation notice had been issued for 827 Stuart Avenue and that site work was being completed at 600 Dora Highway. He noted that work on the water system was approximately 66% complete and that the intersection was 50% complete. The next update was in regard to the tornado recovery. Mr. Hawley advised that a mandatory prebid conference was scheduled for March 20 for the first tornado CDBG rehab. The Housing Authority was scheduled to review the three families selected by the Tornado Finance Committee to receive new homes built by the volunteers. He noted that Engineering and Public Works departments were scheduling another sweep through the area for debris and trash removal before the undergrowth grew back and that Town and County staff continued to work on the April 7 recognition event. He added that the Virginia Department of Emergency Management advised that the loan documents were at the Attorney General's office. John White provided the update on the museum summarizing the progress being made. He advised that the train group from Winston Salem had measured the train set and provided ideas regarding its setup. He reviewed the scope of work and a tentative timetable for completion. He noted that staff members toured the 0. Winston Link and Virginia Page 2 of 6/March 6, 2012 Transportation museums in Roanoke. He noted that both Museums offered ideas about display of objects and interactive items that would appeal to amulti-generational audience. Councilman Kidd inquired why the builders were using wooden studs and not metal since the building was made of steel? Mr. Pedigo responded that Hardie siding would be placed on the outside of the building, therefore metal studs, which were more expensive, were not necessary. Mayor Worrell moved onto the summary of the Route 99 Sewer Preliminary Engineering Report (PER). Mr. Hawley advised that Anderson and Associates indicated a target date for the PER of March 5. He added that once received, Town engineering staff would review and then meet with Anderson and Associates staff. Regarding the Community Garden, Mr. Hawley advised that the Town will again host the Community Garden on Main Street. He added that calls for reservations were already being received by administration. Mayor Worrell moved onto Old Business. The first item was Mutual Aid Agreement with Wythe County. Chief Roche advised that the agreement in the packet was a renewal of a current law enforcement Mutual Aid Agreement with the Wythe County. The proposed agreement will renew for a term of three years. Councilman Clark moved to adopt Resolution 2012-03, Adoption of a Mutual Aid Agreement Between the Town of Pulaski and Wythe County. Councilman Kidd seconded the motion and so carried on the following recorded vote: Morgan P. Welker -Aye Robert A. Bopp -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Joseph K. Goodman -Aye David L. Clark -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye The next item for discussion was the Farmer's Market. Mr. Hawley advised that the Board of Supervisors voted to allow a local businessman to pursue donations to build a permanent structure for the Farmer's Market at the Maple Shade parking lot if approved by the Town. He noted that many of the vendors had made it known that they preferred to stay on the sidewalk under the awning at the Maple Shade Center. He advised that Council had previously directed that the Farmer's Market be held near the Train Station. Following discussion, Councilman Welker moved to allow the Farmer's Market to stay at the Maple Shade if they chase. Councilman Goodman seconded the motion and carried on the following recorded vote: Morgan P. Welker -Aye Robert A. Bopp -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Joseph K. Goodman -Aye David L. Clark -Aye Gregory C. East - No Mayor Worrell moved on to New Business. The first item was the Virginia Commission For The Arts Local Government Challenge Grant. Mr. Hawley advised that the Town along with the Fine Arts Center applies for the Virginia Commission For The Arts Local Government Challenge Grant. Mrs. Ison, from the Fine Arts Center, prepares the application for the Fine Arts Center Page 3 of 6/March 6, 2012 and for the Theatre for $5,000. In the past, the Town has matched the grant. He noted the maximum the state would match was $5,000. He added that Mrs. Ison had requested that Council increase their funding for FY 12/13. Following discussion, Councilman Clark moved to direct staff to proceed with applying for the grant. The motion was seconded by Councilman Welker and carried on the following recorded vote: Morgan P. Welker -Aye Robert A. Bopp -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Joseph K. Goodman -Aye David L. Clark -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye The next item on the agenda was reimbursement request by a resident on Mulberry Lane for sewer line work by private contractor. Mr. Hawley advised of a request from a citizen for reimbursement of $225 for work that a private contractor performed on the Town's line on Mulberry Lane. He summarized the events leading up to the request. He advised that he called the resident after investigating, and explained that when there is a problem with water or sewer, the resident should call the Town twenty four hour line and report it. He also advised her that private contractors are not allowed to work on Town lines and this contractor had been advised of this fact previously. Following discussion, Council took no action. Mayor Worrell moved onto Pulaski Area Transit Feasibility Study. He advised that representatives from the New River Valley Agency on Aging and the Pulaski Area Transit were present. Mrs. King, Executive Director of the New River Valley Agency on Aging, addressed Council regarding the proposed feasibility study. She provided some background information including that the Pulaski Area Transit and the New River Valley Agency on Aging and Senior Services were currently all housed together. She explained that they have outgrown their space. She added that the Department Of Rail and Public Transportation provided a consultant to work with them on a transportation and development study. The study was presented to local governments and it was determined that a new facility is needed. An application was completed requesting funds to do a feasibility study and an award for up to $67,000 was received. A letter was needed from a Town official, a County official and the Agency on Aging Board Chair stating their intent to provide a local match for the facility. The Town's share at this time would be $2,233.33 with the County and the Agency on Aging providing the same amount of match. Mr. Hawley interjected that he did not think that Council had voted to approve the submittal of the application. He spoke with Mr. Heinline prior to the submittal of the application and he advised Mr. Heinline to submit the application and if the funds were approved, then Council could consider whether to accept the grant and provide the match at that time. Following discussion, it was ascertained, among other things, that if Council approved the appropriation, the funds would be included in the 2012 budget. Councilman Clark moved to go forward with the feasibility study, sign the letter and appropriate $2,233.33 for the study. Councilman Kidd seconded the motion and carried on the following recorded vote: Morgan P. Welker - No Robert A. Bopp -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Joseph K. Goodman -Aye David L. Clark -Aye Gregory C. East - No The next item on the agenda was boat rental rates at Gatewood. Page 4 of 6/March 6, 2012 Mr. Hawley advised that Dave Hart, Parks and Recreation Director, had recommended an increase in boat rental rates at Gatewood. He proposed increasing the hourly rental rate from $2 an hour with no maximum to $3 an hour with a $25 maximum; and from $17.50 for twenty four hours to $25 per twenty four hour period. This would apply to jon boats with electric motor and battery; paddle boats; canoes and kayaks. Following discussion, Councilman Welker moved to adopt the new Gatewood boat rental rates of $3 an hour with a $25 maximum and $25 per twenty four hour period for jon boats with electric motor and battery; paddle boats; canoes and kayaks. Councilman Clark seconded the motion and carried on the following recorded vote: Morgan P. Welker -Aye Robert A. Bopp -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Joseph K. Goodman -Aye David L. Clark -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye Mayor Worrell moved on to Laurel Woods. Mr. Hawley advised of correspondence from VHDA and from Community Housing Partners requesting a letter of support for Laurel Woods in their application for low income housing tax credits to rehabilitate Laurel Woods. Following discussion, Councilman Welker moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the Locality CEO Support letter and the revitalization area certification. Councilman Clark seconded the motion and carried on the following recorded vote: Morgan P. Welker -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye David L. Clark -Aye Robert A. Bopp -Aye Joseph K. Goodman -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye At 8:30 p.m., Councilman Clark moved to enter into Closed Session for two items under Virginia Code 2.2-3711 (A-7) Consult with legal counsel for legal advice and briefings by staff, consultants and one item under Virginia Code 2.2-3711 (A-1), interviews, appointments, evaluation of personnel. Councilman Kidd seconded the motion and carried on the following recorded vote: Morgan P. Welker -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye David L. Clark -Aye Robert A. Bopp -Aye Joseph K. Goodman -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye At 9:30 p.m., Council returned from Closed Session and adopted the Certification Resolution on motion by Councilman Clark, seconded by Councilman Kidd and carried on the following recorded vote: Morgan P. Welker -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye David L. Clark -Aye Robert A. Bopp -Aye Joseph K. Goodman -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye Councilman Clark moved to renew the Town Manager's contract for another two years. Councilman Kidd seconded the motion. Mr. Warburton encouraged Council to provide a beginning and ending date with that motion. Councilman Clark withdrew his motion. Councilman Kidd withdrew his second. Councilman Clark moved to renew the Town Manager's contract for two years beginning June 17, 2012 and ending June 16, 2014. Councilman Kidd seconded the amendment and carried on the following recorded vote: Page 5 of 6/March 6, 2012 Morgan P. Welker - No Robert A. Bopp -Aye H. M. Kidd -Aye Joseph K. Goodman - No David L. Clark -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye At 9:40 p.m., there being no further business, the meeting adjourned on motion by Councilman Clark, seconded by Councilman Kidd and carried on voice vote. Approved: rey 5. Worrell, Mayor Page 6 of 6/March 6, 2012 1 1