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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-15-21Minutes of the Pulaski Town Council Meeting held at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 15, 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 and one Council member participating in the meeting via Zoom. Mayor: Shannon Collins, presiding Councilmen Present: G. Tyler Clontz (electronically); Brooks R. Dawson; Greg East; Lane R. Penn; 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 5:00 p.m. He announced that per Resolution 2019- 13, Mr. Clontz would be joining the meeting and participating remotely from Shallotte, North Carolina. The Clerk was instructed to enter the information into the minutes. 2. Roll Call of Council Counted as present for Roll Call were: Mayor Collins, Mr. Clontz, Mr. Dawson, Mr. Penn, Mr. Radcliffe and Mr. Reis. Absent from Roll Call was Mr. East. 3. Modification of the Closed Session Agenda None. 4. Closed Session Mayor Collins then asked for a motion to enter closed session for three items as follows: one item under Va. Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 for consideration of a personnel issue and two items under Va. Code 2.2-3711 (A) 8 -consultation with legal counsel on a contractual matter and an additional consultation on another matter. Mr. Reis moved to enter closed session. Mr. Penn 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 -Absent Michael P. Reis -Aye Council entered Closed Session at 5:02 p.m. Mr. East arrived at 5:22 p.m. 5. Certification of Closed Session Council returned from Closed Session at 6:40 p.m. Mayor Collins asked for a motion to certify that only those items .for which Council went into Closed Session were discussed: one item under Va. Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 for consideration of a Page 1 of 7/June 15, 2021 personnel issue and two items under Va. Code 2.2-3711 (A) 8 -consultation with legal counsel on a personnel matter and an additional consultation on another matter. Mr. East moved to certify the Closed Session. The motion was seconded by Mr. Dawson 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 7. Guests and Visitors Mayor Collins welcomed those persons in attendance in person and on-line. Mr. Dawson left the meeting 6:50 p.m. 8. Consent Agenda a. Consideration of the Minutes of the June 1, 2021 Council Meeting Mayor Collins then asked for a motion on the minutes of June 1, 2021. Mr. Reis moved to adopt the June 1, 2021 meeting minutes as written. Mr. Penn seconded the motion which was approved on the following roll call vote: Lane R. Penn -Aye James A. Radcliffe -Aye Brooks R. Dawson -Absent G. Tyler Clontz -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye Michael P. Reis -Aye 9. Presentations a. Pulaski on Main Projects Review Patrick Ford, Director of Pulaski on Main, introduced Ms. Tammy Parks, Chair of the Tourism and Arts Committee. Ms. Parks noted that if towns were painted, sculpted or "arted", people will come. She had spent months researching projects that were started and would be presenting four projects that would require Council's approval: the "LOVE" sign; bikeracks; the Rt. 99 Bldg.; and the Count's Crossing murals. The "LOVE" sign will be located at the Train Station juncture with South Washington and Dora Highway. The project was delayed due to the many personnel changes and the pandemic. Ms. Parks' goal was seeing that this and other projects were finished. The state grant ($1,250) had been spent for supplies while awaiting a particular welder. Ms. Parks said her purpose was to present an estimate from Warren Crandall who had been referred by other welding teachers from NRCC and PCHS. Mr. Crandall would create a two-dimensional sign with letters six feet tall and three to four feet wide at a cost of $1,820 which included everything but connecting the construct to a concrete platform which would be created by the Town. Sandblasting and four-color powder coating of the letters would be done by B&B Powder, Inc (est. $1,000). An anonymous donor from Pulaski on Main proposed donating $1,000 if the Town would provide the restto get it finished. Mr. Reis asked if the cost would be $2,800 with the idea that the Town would install the concrete base. Ms. Parks said she felt it must be done since it was Town property. Mr. Crandall Page 2 of 7/June 15, 2021 would do everything up to that point. Mrs. Burcham noted the original plan was once the sign was completed the Town would apply to the state for the grant ($1,250) once the sign was in place and had that been looked at. Ms. Parks replied that the $1,250 grant was spent two years ago for the materials and another $400 was spent out of "Pedal Pusher" money. Mrs. Burcham thought the state did not award the money until the sign was erected. Ms. Parks said she was not sure but understood $1,600 in materials was purchased and asked for assistance in finding out. The "Pedal Pushers" bike rack project was not finished with the hold up being that funds were needed for sandblasting and powder coating. Mr. Crandall was paid for the project and has the materials but did not proceed with the project because no assurances were given that the sandblasting and powder coating would be done. The estimate received from B&B Powder Coating was $330. In response to Mrs. Burcham's question of placement, Ms. Parks said the bike racks would be put at the Train Station and Calfee Park. To Mr. Reis' question as to size and capacity of the racks, Ms. Parks responded that they were 3'X 3' and could hold five bicycles. She recommended they be painted the blue color of the Town which she felt was vibrant. Next discussed was the building at 235 East Main Street slated for a mural to be painted by students from NRCC. The entire wall would be colored and that the letters would change. The mural would tentatively be completed by the painting class in the Spring of 2022. A grant had been applied through DHCD in the amount of $7,000, part of which would be for the purchase of permanent scaffolding. The grant would be matched by service hours students would provide to the program. Mr. East asked Mrs. Burcham about a grant for murals he heard about before the pandemic. Mrs. Burcham said she had been told that part of the owner's discontent with the Town was that he was approached to have a mural on the building but was later told his building could not be used because the grant was funding was removed to the Historic District in the Downtown. Ms. Parks added the grant was returned. With the owner now favoring the proposed mural, future images could be added to the bright colored areas. The final project was the Counts Crossing mural on the left side of the park. The intent was to turn the mural into a community project in which persons could come out and paint the forest scene in a "paint by number" scenario. Ms. Parks concluded her presentation noting that "art never fails". If there is art in a location, it makes that location attractive and brings people in. She felt Pulaski could be an "art town". Mrs. Burcham asked which mural the $7,200 grant request would cover. Ms. Parks said the grant would cover both and added that the grant's match would be the community service hours of the students. Mr. Ford and Ms. Parks thanked Council for hearing their presentation. Council next considered several budget related resolutions and ordinances. 10. Appropriations for FY 2020-2021 a. Resolution Appropriating Funds into the FY 2020-2021 Budget, Resolution 2021-25 Mr. Reis asked as to the source of the funds ($280,000). Mrs. Burcham responded they were from a long-standing account (Local Government Investment Pool) which was drawing no interest. In considering a sewer budget overrun, the funds were transferred to address the Page 3 of 7/June 15, 2021 issue. Three or four smaller accounts were also identified, closed and placed in the town's fund balance. Mr. Reis asked if the $38,000 was a reimbursement to which Mrs. Burcham responded most purchases were through the County but some purchases required a credit card in advance. There might be an additional reimbursement which would be secured before the end of the calendar year. Mr. Reis then moved to approve Resolution 2021-25 as written. 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 -Absent G. Tyler Clontz -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye Michael P. Reis -Aye 11. Setting the FY 2021-2022 Rate of Taxation on Real Estate,_ Ordinance 2021-13 Mr. Radcliffe moved to accept Ordinance 2021'-13 as written. The motion was seconded by Mr. Reis and approved on the following roll call vote: Lane R. Penn -Aye James A. Radcliffe -Aye Brooks R. Dawson -Absent G. Tyler Clontz -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye Michael P. Reis -Aye 12. Setting the Rates for Applicable General Fund Fees Council then reviewed the rates applicable to General Fund fees. a. Amending the Town Code for Increasing the Cigarette Tax, Ordinance 2021-14 Mr. East moved to approve Ordinance 2021-14 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 -Absent G. Tyler Clontz -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye Michael P. Reis -Aye b. Ordinance Setting the Fee for Negotiable Instruments Deemed Uncollectable, Ordinance 2021-15 Mr. Reis moved to adopt Ordinance 2021-15 as written. 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 -Absent G. Tyler Clontz -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye Michael P. Reis -Aye c. Ordinance Amending the Building Permit Fee Schedule to Include Reinspection Fees, Ordinance 2021-16 Mr. East moved to adopt Ordinance 2021-16 as written. The motion was seconded by Mr. Radcliffe and approved on the following roll call vote: Lane R. Penn -Aye James A. Radcliffe -Aye Brooks R. Dawson -Absent G. Tyler Clontz -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye Michael P. Reis -Aye Page 4 of 7/June 15, 2021 d. Ordinance Amending the Town Code for Parking Violations, Ordinance 2021-17 Following discussion concerning some unclear terminology for certain parking violations that Council felt needed clarification or updating, Mr. Reis moved to table Ordinance 2021-17 for further review. 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 -Absent G. Tyler Clontz -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye Michael P. Reis -Aye e. Ordinance Amending the Schedule of Planning and Zoning Fees, Ordinance 2021-18 Mr. Radcliffe moved to accept Ordinance 2021-16. 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 -Absent G. Tyler Clontz -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye Michael P. Reis -Aye f. Resolution Setting Miscellaneous Charges and Fees for the Train Station, Resolution 2021-26 Mr. Penn moved to approve Resolution 2021-26. 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 -Absent G. Tyler Clontz -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye Michael P. Reis -Aye 13. Setting the Rates for Utility Fees Council next acted on setting rates for utility fees. a. Ordinance Setting Charges for Water Service, Ordinance 2021-19 Mr. East moved to adopt Ordinance 2021-19 as written. The motion was seconded by Mr. Radcliffe and approved on the following roll call vote: Lane R. Penn -Aye James A. Radcliffe -Aye Brooks R. Dawson -Absent G. Tyler Clontz -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye Michael P. Reis -Aye b. Ordinance Setting Charges for Sewer Service, Ordinance 2021-20 Mr. Penn moved to approve Ordinance 2021-20. Mr. Reis seconded the motion which was approved on the following roll call vote: Lane R. Penn -Aye James A. Radcliffe -Aye Brooks R. Dawson -Absent G. Tyler Clontz -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye Michael P. Reis -Aye 14. Consideration of the FY 2021-2022 Budget Council then considered adoption of the FY 2021-2022 General, Water and Sewer Fund budgets. Page 5 of 7/June 15, 2021 a. Adoption of the FY 2021-2022 General Fund Budget and Capital Plan, Resolution 2021-27 Mr. Reis asked if all funds were used for the Brownfield grants. Mrs. Burcham replied that in the fall the grants were removed from the budget and put into separate grant funds. Council would at the next meeting be appropriating grant accounts used by the Police Department that in the past were in the operating budget. Mr. Reis moved to adopt Resolution 2021-27 adopting the budget 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 -Absent G. Tyler Clontz -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye Michael P. Reis -Aye b. Adoption of the FY 2021-2022 Water Fund Budget and Capital Plan, Resolution 2021-28 Mr. Radcliffe moved to accept Resolution 2021-28. Mr. Penn seconded the motion which was approved on the following roll call vote: Lane R. Penn -Aye James A. Radcliffe -Aye Brooks R. Dawson -Absent G. Tyler Clontz -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye Michael P. Reis -Aye c. Adoption of the FY 2021-2022 Sewer Fund Budget and Capital Plan, Resolution 2021-29 Mr. East moved to adopt Resolution 2021-29 as written. Mr. Radcliffe seconded the motion which was approved on the following roll call vote: Lane R. Penn -Aye James A. Radcliffe -Aye Brooks R. Dawson -Absent G. Tyler Clontz -Aye Gregory C. East -Aye Michael P. Reis -Aye 15. Council Comments Mayor Collins asked Council for any comments. Mr. Penn asked if the Town Manager was aware of the complaints about the water tank behind the bowling alley. She replied that she was and that there would be a temporary repair, as the tank was slated to be removed from service when the Brookmont project was complete. The first approach would be to lower the water level to see if this stops or mitigates the leak. Given that the tank would be taken out of service, the Town would not want to spend more money than needed on the temporary repairs. Mr. East thanked Mrs. Burcham and the staff for their hard work on the budget. Mr. Radcliffe also noted the hard work on the budget. He also mentioned that he had received a request from the Northwood area to look at allowing golf carts to serve parts of the Town and asked if some research could be done. Mr. Clontz had no comments. Mr. Reis expressed his thanks for the hard work on the budget and was happy with the outcome because of the specificity and attention to detail which allowed Council to understand the funding and to make better decisions. Page 6 of 7/June 15, 2021 16. Mana'ger's Report Mrs. Burcham'thanked Council for their attention to the budget process and hoped that next year's process would not be as difficult. She informed Council that the next morning Department Heads and Senior Staff would be making a field inspection to see areas that had issues that needed to be addressed. She continued noting the Town would have a 4th of July parade to be held on Saturday, July 31d f at 11:00 a.m. since the 4th fell on a Sunday and that the Town was actively soliciting participants. It was time for a celebration given the pandemic and additional events were planned for later in the year such as a Cruise -In, a pride walk on June 26th and other events being planned by the Fine Arts Center in Jackson Park. As a reminder, Town offices would be closed on June 18th in observation of the Juneteenth holiday Mrs. Burcham added that she appreciated the Council's and staff's positive support. Mrs. Burcham told Council that she had met with Sergeants of the Police Department and felt the interim chief was doing a marvelous job. Mr. Goodman had been performing an evaluation of the Police Department to assist with the search for the next Police Chief. Mr. Radcliffe said he had seen the bike patrol nearly every day and had received positive comments from citizens on the patrols. Mrs. Burcham noted that the position of Community Relations Officer had been restored to the budget as a civilian position to help get the community reconnected with the Police Department. 17. Reminder of Future Council Meetings and Adjournment Mayor Collins reminded Council of its next meeting on July 6, 2021 with the Closed Session starting at 5:30 p.m. and the Public Session at 7:00 p.m. The Work Session was scheduled for July 20' with Closed Session at 5:00 p.m. and the Public Session at 6:30 p.m. There being no further business, Mr. Reis moved to adjourn. His motion was seconded by multiple member of Council and approved by unanimous voice vote at 7:33 p.m. ATTEST: 7 David N. Quesenberry Clerk of Council 1 Approved: %� W. Shannon Collins Mayor Page 7 of 7/June 15, 2021