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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-18-22 Town Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 18, 2022 1. Mayor called the Meeting to Order at 5:00 p.m. and asked for a roll call. Lane R. Penn- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Brooks R. Dawson-Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Gregory C. East- Absent Michael P. Reis- Absent Mayor Collins-Aye 2. Mayor asked for a motion to go into Closed Session to discuss the following items: a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (1 item)-Discussion of prospective candidates for appointments. b. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 6 (2 items)- Discussion of investment of public funds. c. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 7 (1 item)- Consultation with legal counsel. The motion was made by Mr. Penn and seconded by Mr. Clontz Lane R. Penn- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Brooks R. Dawson-Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Gregory C. East- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye Open Session 7:10 p.m. 3. Certification of Closed Session- The Mayor asked for a motion to certify that only the following items were discussed: a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (1 item)- Discussion of prospective candidates for appointments. b. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 6 (2 items)- Discussion of investment of public funds. c. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 7 (1 item)- Consultation with legal counsel. The motion was made by Mr. Penn and seconded by Mr. Dawson. Lane R. Penn- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Brooks R. Dawson-Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Gregory C. East- Aye Michael P. Reis-Abstained 4. Mr. Dawson lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 5. Mr. East gave the invocation. 6. Guests and Visitors- The Mayor welcomed all in attendance and viewing online. 7. Modification of Public Session- The Town Manager asked for Resolution 2022-44 Line of Credit be added to the agenda after the Public Comment period. Page 1 of 5 / October 18, 2022 The motion was made by Mr. Dawson and seconded by Mr. East to add Resolution 2022- 44 Line of Credit to the agenda. Lane R. Penn-Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Brooks R. Dawson-Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Gregory C. East- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye 8. Presentations a. Pulaski Area Transit (PAT)- Monica Musick presented to Council the end of the FY 2022 financial report. Ms. Musick reported PAT ended the year with a $60,715 deficit due to increased fuel cost, maintenance on the vans, radio communications, and increased insurance and will be reaching out to the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) for assistance with the deficit. With ridership down, Ms. Musick plans to reach out to DRPT for continued marketing promotions. Ms. Musick explained PAT will be scheduled for a Transit Development Plan in the near future and DRPT has suggested a micro-transit approach, which would serve residents on an as-needed basis with residents requesting trips through an app on their phone or calling dispatch to schedule a ride. Ms. Musick explained the Technical Assistant Grant would require a 50/50 match from the Town. Ms. Musick also explained to Council the need for three replacement vehicles which would require a match from the town. Mr. East addressed his concerns with the need for the current transit operation given the number of riders and the cost per rider, and the concern for fuel cost for 111 each van with or without riders. Ms. Musick explained that they will be doing a rider analysis, how many riders are riding at a certain hour and what days of the week so adjustments might be made in the future to these expenses. Mr. Radcliffe asked the price for the new replacement vehicles and how many replacement vehicles are needed. Ms. Musick stated the cost for three replacement vehicles is $127,000 each which is an increase from $70,340. Ms. Musick will be requesting $70,000 local match for FY 2024 budget, and new vehicles, the local match, which would add $4,200 more to the town's contribution. b. Agency on Aging- Tina King presented to Council the Volunteer Pulaski program, formally known as the RSVP Program, the history of the program, the purpose, and the need for the program in the town. Ms. King asked Council for $9,362 for FY 2023. Page 2 of 5 / October 18, 2022 9. Public Comment a. Tara Wuchenich of Washington Square spoke to Council regarding the importance of PAT for both the riders and employees. Ms. Wuchenich stated she speaks on behalf of a parent with no vehicle, on behalf of a veteran with no way to the grocery store, and on behalf of the amazing drivers and dispatch that run Pulaski Area Transit. She hopes that Council can see it in themselves to allocate funds for the Transit. b. Jeanne Harris of Washington Square spoke to Council on the importance of PAT as she has no other way of transportation as a cancer survivor. Ms. Harris thanked Council and PAT for the use of the ADA accessible transit as she is not able to use stairs and will be wheelchair bound in the future. c. Lydia Hickam of Northwood Drive spoke of her support for PAT and the need for a transit system in town and asked Council to fund the transit. d. Claudia Harrison of Winfield Circle spoke to Council regarding the Dora Cemetery clean up project. Ms. Harrison gave the brief history of the private cemetery and asked for any help to continue the clean up process. e. Wanda Simpkins spoke to Council about the Dora Cemetery history and asked for help on the cleanup, specifically removal of trees and brush. f. Michael Salmons of Dublin spoke to Council in support of PAT, stating it has gotten him to and from work, to the grocery store for multiple years. Mr. Salmons commended staff and their work to continue service. 10. Resolution 2022-44 Line of Credit The motion was made by Mr. Clontz and seconded by Mr. Reis to approve the resolution. Lane R. Penn- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Brooks R. Dawson-Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Gregory C. East- Aye Michael P. Reis-Aye 11. Consent Agenda- Consideration of October 4, 2022 minutes The motion was made by Mr. Dawson and seconded by Mr. Clontz to approve the minutes. Lane R. Penn-Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Gregory C. East-Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye Page 3 of 5 / October 18, 2022 12. Council Comments Mr. Dawson asked for any comments or complaints regarding the Mountain Bike Park. The Town Manager stated that the number of compliments outnumber the complaints, but those who have used the facility are very impressed that it is available for all skill levels, and all ages. She mentioned benches have been ordered for spectators but until they arrive,picnic tables will be placed in the park. Mr. Dawson stated that there were bikers on Route 99 in the road and asked if there would be room for a bike lane in the future. The Town Manager stated there is a kiosk on order to show users other bike trails and after traffic is slowed down, bike lanes will be looked at along with additional sidewalks throughout town. Mr. Dawson made a motion in support the request of Calfee School for matching funds of $100,000 towards a grant was requested at the last meeting. The motion was to approve our willingness to support the $100,000 request contingent upon their ability to secure the additional $100,000 needed to match that grant. Mr. Penn seconded the motion. Lane R. Penn- Aye James a. Radcliffe-Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye G. Tyler Clontz-Aye Gregory C. East- Aye Michael P. Reis- Abstained Mr. Radcliffe asked when the Christmas lights would be turned on and also thanked the Council for the support of the Calfee Community Cultural Center. Mr. Reis stated he and his family are enjoying the bike park and targeted investments like the bike park are putting Pulaski on the map for tourism, including the skate park and the new playgrounds that are coming. Mayor Collins stated he has received complaints on the reduced speed on Route 11 past the hospital. Mr. Collins asked if the speed limit could be posted as 45mph instead of 35mph. Mr. Dawson reminded him that the speed limit was town wide and the Council was responsible for the decision. 13. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager reported that a gentleman asked for Google coordinates for the Mountain Bike Park because he was traveling over two hours to come to the opening of the park. She has received statements that the ramps at the skate park are some of the very best. She also stated the community needs to understand that the town received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds with specific goals and specific uses, one of which was to get people outdoors. Page 4 of 5 / October 18, 2022 The town has invested ARPA funds to address doing just that, which is the healthiest place you can be with COVID. The ARPA money was also targeted to bring people into communities and tourism was specifically identified in the mountain of regulations that the town has to abide by. With the new amenities, the new parks, along with the electric charging stations, the town hopes to serve not only residents but bring people into the town. The Town Manager explained to Council that with the supply shortages and staffing issues, it wouldn't be until the end of the month before one of the new playgrounds will be assembled, and a delay on the striping for the pickle ball courts, will now be in the Spring of 2023. The Town Manager also stated there was a great turnout for the opening of the Mountain Bike Park and questions raised if the town would be liable for injuries in which the Town Manager stated that the park is a 'ride at your own risk' facility. She reminded Council of the Trick or Treat Trail sponsored by Pulaski on Main on October 31st from 3:30-6:30 p.m. in which Town Hall will be on the trail, but other businesses who are not on the route will be able to set up in Jackson Park if they would like to participate. She stated she was able to meet the three individuals who are doing the re-accreditation for the Police Department. They were supposed to be here for three days but because they had such positive feedback about the department, they only stayed two days. She commended the Police Department for the services they provide for our community. She also noted that the Police Department is currently issuing warnings through the town for speeding but will proceed to issuing tickets in the near future, with the goal to not make money but to make our residents safe. The Town Manager stated, that the town will start filling pot holes beginning next week upon the request of residents. The requests will be taken on the Town's Facebook, email, or phone call between October 18th-24th and fill ins will start October 25th. She asked if any Council members would like to participate in the pumpkin carving contest at Randolph Park on October 29th. The Mayor and Councilman Reis volunteered. 14. Reminder of Future Council Meeting-November 1, 2022, Closed Session at 6:00 p.m., Open Session at 7:00 p.m. 15. The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:47 p.m. TOWN OF PULASKI, VIRGINIA W. Shannon Collins - Mayor ATTEST .( }i . °'(_ t \Q%k Olivia C. Hale Clerk of Council Page 5 of 5 / October 18, 2022