HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-01-21Minutes of the Pulaski Town Council Meeting held at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 1, 2021 in the
Council Chambers of the Municipal Building at 42 First Street, N.W. The meeting also featured a
general live cast to the public via the Town's Facebook page.
In attendance were:
Mayor: Shannon Collins, presiding
Councilmen Present: G. Tyler Clontz; Brooks R. 'Dawson; Greg East;
Lane R. Perin; James A. Radcliffe; Michael P. Reis
Administration: Darlene L. Burcham, Town Manager
Legal Counsel Spencer A. Rygas, Town Attorney
Staff:
David Quesenberry, Clerk of Council
Jordan Whitt, Social Media Manager
1. Call to Order
Mayor Collins called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m.
2. Roll Call of Council
Present for roll call were Mayor Collins; Mr. Clontz; Mr. Dawson; Mr. East; Mr. Penn, Mr.
Radcliffe and Mr. Reis. With all Council members present, a quorum existed for the conduct of
business.
3. Modifications to the Closed Session Agenda
Mr. Reis moved to modify the Closed Session agenda to add an additional matter to the Closed
Session under Va. Code 2.2-3711 (A) 8 consultation with legal counsel. The motion was
seconded by Mr. East and approved on the following roll call vote:
Lane R. Penn -Aye James A. Radcliffe -Aye
Brooks R. Dawson -Aye G. Tyler Clontz -Aye
Gregory C. East -Aye Michael P. Reis -Aye
4. Closed Session
Mayor Collins then asked for a motion to enter Closed Session for two items under Va. Code
2.2-3711 (A) 8 consultation with legal counsel concerning a contractual matter and another
consultation with legal counsel.
Mr. Reis moved to enter Closed Session on the stated items. The motion was seconded by Mr.
Penn and approved on the following roll call vote:
Lane R. Penn -Aye James A. Radcliffe -Aye
Brooks R. Dawson -Aye G. Tyler Clontz -Aye
Gregory C. East -Aye Michael P. Reis -Aye
Council entered Closed Session at 6:20 p.m.
5. Certification of Closed Session
Council returned from Closed Session at 7:01 p.m. Mayor Collins requested a motion that
Council discussed only two items for which it went into Closed Session under Va. Code 2.2 -
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3711 (A) 8, consultation with legal counsel concerning a contractual matter and consultation
with legal counsel.
Mr. Dawson moved to certify the Closed Session. The motion was seconded by Mr. Penn and
approved on the following roll call vote:
Lane R. Penn -Aye James A. Radcliffe -Aye
Brooks R. Dawson -Aye G. Tyler Clontz -Aye
Gregory C. East -Aye Michael P. Reis -Aye
6. Pledge of Allegiance
Mr. Dawson then led the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. Invocation
Councilman East gave the Invocation.
8. Modification of the Public Session Agenda
None.
9. Guests and Visitors
Mayor Collins welcomed visitors in attendance and those watching online. He then recognized
Mrs. Burcham who introduced newly appointed Interim Police Chief, Lt. Jill Neice to Council.
Chief Neice then introduced the -two newest police officers, Ofc. Briana Terry and Ofc. Jamie
Bolt. She outlined for Council the hiring and testing process for police officers which she said
indicated the level of commitment the new recruits had made to the Town.
10. Public Hearings
Council next conducted nine public hearing dealing with eight matters related to the budget and
one proposed appropriation of funds for the current fiscal year. Mayor Collins outlined the
process as to how each public hearing would be conducted and emphasized that the hearings
were to solicit public comment only and that Council would not be taking any action on the items
this evening.
10a. Proposed Increase in Cigarette Tax.
Mrs. Burcham reported that counties had recently been authorized to impose a cigarette tax by
the General Assembly and that other localities in the region were interested in a standardized
tax of $0.40 per pack. The revenue from this tax is included in proposed Town budget to be
considered in a later public hearing.
Mr. East favored the increase given that previously the Town lost cigarette sales to the County,
but now local businesses would benefit. Being a "user tax" paid by cigarette purchasers, Mrs.
Burcham said the tax would be paid by the users and not the general citizenry.
Mayor Collins called the public hearing on the cigarette tax to order at 7:14 p.m. There being no
comment, the hearing was closed at 7:14 p.m.
10b. Proposed Increase in the Real Estate Tax ($0.34 to $0.36 per hundred)
With respect to the proposed $0.02 per hundred real estate tax increase, Mrs. Burcham said the
reassessment would yield between $180,000 and $197,000 annually. Given Council's priority on
rebuilding the fund balance, the $0.02 increase would be dedicated exclusively to the fund
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balance so over the next several fiscal years, the fund balance, currently inadequate, would be
replenished.
Concerning a question from Mr. East on the level of the fund balance, which he understood was
at 6%, Mrs. Burcham replied it might be slightly higher due to cancellation of some UDAG debt
but was in the 6%-8% range. Mr. Dawson noting the decline of the fund balance and asked for a
review of measures taken to reduce the budget noting that many steps had already been taken
to control expenditures.
Mrs. Burcham responded that the $0.02 increase would be applied to the fund balance
exclusively, not General Fund operations. Mrs. Burcham mentioned the following measures
were taken with the budget to meet Council's desire for a realistic set of revenues and
expenditures:
• Review of areas for reductions which included department head involvement.
• Review of expenses currently borne by all residents that should be borne users of
specific services.
• Streamlined processes.
• Establishing cash reserves.
• Eliminating line items.
• Review of personnel positions
Mr. Burcham said she had worked to provide a realistic budget that also allowed for future
planning in a manner that had not been done before, as well as preparing for uncertain times.
She also complimented Mr. Deal and Mrs. Morris for their efforts and assistance on the budget.
One new position of grants manager had been added to the budget to assist in securing future
grants as well as monitoring grant compliance
Mayor Collins opened the public hearing at 7:33 p.m. No comments being received, he closed
the public hearing at 7:33 p.m.
10c. Proposed FY 2021-2022 General Fund Budget
Mr. Reis asked if the appropriation for the Radcliffe Museum had been moved to another line
item. Mrs. Burcham responded that it had been moved to Contributions with an understanding
that the Town would cover the utilities and the museum would have responsibility for staff and
other expenses, to which the museum had agreed.
Mayor Collins then opened the public hearing at 7:35 p.m. and with no comments received
closed it at 7:35 p.m.
10d. Capital Improvements Plan for the General, Water and Sewer Funds
Mrs. Burcham then reviewed the capital projects for each of the three major funds. The projects
for the General Fund did not require debt issuance, while $626,000 would be used to replace
water lines, which would be followed by installation of new street, curb and gutter on West Main
Street. That portion of the project might qualify for funding under the American Rescue Plan Act.
Transfer reserves were also funded in line with the consultant's recommendation in both the
Water and Sewer Funds to minimize future debt.
Mayor Collins opened the public hearing at 7:40 p.m. and with no comments received closed
the hearing at 7:40 p.m.
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10e. Proposed Increase in Water Rates
Noting the extensive previous public discussions, Mrs. Burcham said that the consultant had
recommended an 8% increase in both water and sewer rates and various connection fees. ,The
increases are intended to meet expenses for debt service; ongoing operations; capital projects
and to reach financial goals for the fund. Presently operating and capital reserves in the Water
Fund are inadequate. While rates might have to be raised in the next several years, she was
hopeful that American Rescue Plan Act funds would be available to fund some of these water
projects.
Mayor Collins opened the public hearing at 7:42 p.m. and receiving no comment closed the
hearing at 7:42 p.m.
10f. Proposed FY 2021-2022 Water Fund Budget
Mrs. Burcham reported to Council that the fund's budget was to increase approximately
$160,000, most of which would be directed to capital and operating reserves. There were some
additional expenses anticipated in the Water Filtration and the Transmission and Distribution
line items. The 8% increase was reflected in both revenues and expenditures.
The report having concluded, Mayor Collins opened the public hearing at 7:44 p.m. and
receiving no comment closed the public hearing at 7:44 p.m.
10g. Proposed Increase in Sewer Rates
Mrs. Burcham informed Council that the budget reflected an 8% increase to fund ongoing
operational expenses and build the capital operating reserves which were examined by lenders
when issuing of debt. Sewer Fund expenses were significantly higher as a result of the Town's
participation in capital items for Pepper's Ferry Authority.
Mayor Collins then opened the public hearing at 7:45 p.m. and receiving no comment closed the
public hearing at 7:45 p.m.
10h. Proposed FY 2021-2022 Sewer Fund Budget
Mrs. Burcham informed Council that the Sewer Fund budget was at $3.948 million which was a
$350,000 increase over the current fiscal year that reflected the cost of participation in Pepper's
Ferry Authority. The budget reflected the 8% increase to cover certain items and reserves for
capital and operations.
Mayor Collins opened the public hearing at 7:47 p.m. and receiving no comments closed the
public hearing at 7:47 p.m.
10i. Proposed Appropriation of Funds from UDAG to the Sewer Fund and CARES Act Funds to
the General Fund
Mrs. Burcham stated that the Town had received funds a separate source into the UDAG
account and now requested transfer of $280,644.80 to the Sewer Fund to cover expenses of the
Pepper's Ferry treatment costs. The other amount, $38,000, was a reimbursement from the
County for CARES Act items.
Mayor Collins then opened the public hearing on the transfers at 7:50 p.m. Receiving no
comments he closed the public hearing a 7:50 p.m.
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11. Public Comment Period
Mr. Ike Jeanes spoke before Council concerning several proposals for Main Street. His first
proposal was for a flea market on the empty parcels on East Main Street to draw attention to
that area. He suggested that in addition to the usual merchandise, that real estate could also be
advertised to help bring people to the Town.
For West Main Street, Mr. Jeanes proposed that the south lane of West Main be used as a
pedestrian zone with separate venues for various activities.
Mr. Jeanes also brought up the concept of back -in parking which he felt would be safer for
pedestrians and bicyclists. Back -in parking, while unusual he conceded, was done other places
and was safer for pedestrians.
Mr. East thanked Mr. Jeanes for his presentation and the information provided to Council.
12. Consent Agenda
a. Consideration of the Minutes of the May 18, 2021 Council Work Session
Mayor Collins then asked for consideration of the minutes of May 18, 2021.
Mr. Dawson moved to adopt the May 18, 2021 meeting minutes as written. Mr. East seconded
the motion which was approved on the following roll call vote:
Lane R. Penn -Aye James A. Radcliffe -Aye
Brooks R. Dawson -Aye G. Tyler Clontz -Aye
Gregory C. East -Aye Michael P. Reis -Aye
Council next discussed tall grass.
13. Discussion of Tall Grass
Mrs. Burcham told Council, since the last meeting, that immediate action had been taken with
respect to mowing Town properties. Ms. Hodge and Ms. McKinney contacted East Main
businesses, that had tall grass, with a copy of the policy. Conformity with the mowing ordinance
was not uniform with both conforming and non -conforming properties. There were major
problems with vacant structures. She proposed that some time be given to educatethe public
on the current code making it clear that responsibilities for mowing went to the curb.
Mrs. Burcham asked Council to allow another month before considering amendment to the
ordinance and asked the Town Attorney to comment.
Mr. Rygas felt the ordinance was simple and to the point and felt the responsibility was either
left with the citizens or it wasn't. He suggested leaving the ordinance as it is and address issues
more swiftly with other components (e.g. notice process) and stay on it. If the ordinance was
changed the Town would be absorbing all the responsibility.
Mr. Dawson felt it was critical, while making the ordinance clear, that the Town had to mow its
own properties. He felt it was also important for citizens to see the Town maintaining its
properties.
Mrs. Burcham mentioned that Public Works had responded promptly to complaints regarding tall
grass on Town property. She said that if a change was considered, she encouraged a reduction
in the height of the grass which was currently 12 inches. After a ten-day notice, the grass could
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be 16-18 inches high which was unsightly. Another employee has been assigned part-time to
assist Code Enforcement with these issues.
A short discussion on several topics ensued concerning: mapping properties the Town was
responsible for; requiring persons applying herbicides to be certified; provisions of the Code;
advertising for more vendors to cut grass; and the importance of entryway appearance. Mr. Reis
suggested an on-line map might be developed that could be amended as Town properties are
acquired or sold.
Mr. Radcliffe said his position was, given the talk of tax increases, that the Town was telling
people to cut grass that didn't belong to them. He emphasized the Town's property would be
cut, no matter where it was.
Mrs. Burcham responded that the Town right of way was best defined by telephone and utility
poles, meaning that portions of some yards were in the Town right of way. The Town did not
have enough staff to address these areas. East Main property owners were told the Town would
cut the right of way once, but then would they become responsible for mowing. They were
receptive but time would tell. She again requested more time to see if the Town could get
compliance and do a better job on areas that clearly was its responsibility before any change
was made.
14. Appropriation of VBAF Grants, Resolution 2021-24
There being no comments from Council, Mr. East moved to adopt Resolution 2021-24 as
written. The motion was seconded by Mr. Penn and approved on the following roll call vote:
Lane R. Penn -Aye James A. Radcliffe -Aye
Brooks R. Dawson -Aye G. Tyler Clontz -Aye
Gregory C. East -Aye Michael P. Reis -Aye
15. Council Comments
Mayor Collins next called for comments from the Council.
Mr. Penn, Mr. Dawson and Mr. East had no comments.
Mr. Radcliffe said he usually did not support tax increases, but with the work the Town Manager
had performed on the budget and the staff's hard work, he felt comfortable supporting this
budget.
Mr. Clontz had no comment.
Mr. Reis had a question concerning drainage around the train tracks noting a drain dated "1924"
and wondered if that contributed to the backup from heavy rains. He felt it was something the
Town should be aware of and place it on a list, if Norfolk Southern would respond to the Town.
16. Manager's Report
Mrs. Burcham appreciated the support voiced for the budget and felt it was creating the path
that the Town needed and deserved. She also expressed appreciation for the time, effort and
seriousness with which Council had considered the budget. There would need to be a
discussion in the future concerning allocating funds from the American Rescue Plan Act for
specific projects.
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17. Reminder of Future Council Meetings and Adjournment
Mayor Collins reminded Council of the upcoming Council Work Session on June 15, 2021, with
the Closed Session beginning at 5:00 p.m. and the Public Session beginning at 6:30 p.m.
There being no further business, Mr. Reis moved to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Mr.
East and approved by unanimous voice vote at 8:30 p.m.
f
Approved:
W. Shannon Collins
Mayor
ATTEST:
'a"
avid N. Quesenberry
Clerk of Council
1
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