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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-07-23Town Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 7, 2023 1. The Vice Mayor called the Meeting to Order at 6:00 p.m. and asked for a roll call. Gregory C. East- Absent Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Michael P. Reis- Absent Mayor Collins- Absent 2. Vice Mayor asked for a motion to go into Closed Session to discuss the following items: a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (3 items)- Appointments to Boards and Committees, Evaluation of Town Manager b. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 6 (1 item)- Investment of Public Funds The motion was made by Mr. Clark and seconded by Mr. Clontz Gregory C. East- Absent James A. Radcliffe- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Absent Open Session 7:00 p.m. 3. Certification of Closed Session- The Vice Mayor asked for a motion to certify that only the following items were discussed: a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (3 items)- Appointments to Boards and Committees, Evaluation of Town Manager b. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 6 (1 item)- Investment of Public Funds The motion was made by Mr. East and seconded by Mr. Clontz Gregory C. East- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye 4. Mr. Radcliffe lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance 5. Mr. East gave the invocation. 6. Guests and visitors- The Vice Mayor welcomed all in attendance and viewing online. 7. Modification to Public Session The motion was made by Mr. Reis and seconded by Mr. Clontz to add a resolution for Appointments to Town Boards to the agenda. Page 1 of 9/ February 7, 2023 Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye 8. Presentations a. Mike Haskins- Town of Pulaski Economic Development The Town Manager introduced Mike Haskins, the new staff member for the Economic Development Department. Mr. Haskins made a brief statement about his position. b. New River Valley Regional Commission- Town of Pulaski Comprehensive Plan Aphidalin Fancon with the New River Valley Regional Commission summarized the Town of Pulaski's 2023 Comprehensive Plan process to date addressing existing and future needs of the community and enhancing the town. Ms. Fancon reported that the Comprehensive Plan is a work in progress and will need to return to the Planning Commission for continued review and eventually to the Town Council for adoption. Mr. Dawson asked if there was any feedback from the three open houses held for the public to review the Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Fancon stated there were a number of participants and a common item brought to their attention was that Peak Creek should be an economic driver and the need for more opportunities to commute by biking and walking. c. Two- Way Conversion of 3rd Street- Scott Aust Mr. Aust gave a brief summary of the plans to bag stop lights on Jefferson Ave and Washington at West Main to take the intersection to four-way stops and to convert 3rd street into one lane traveling west to get drivers use to moving over to the other lane for the eventual conversion to two-way traffic. Mr. Dawson asked if the external curbing at the Y -Intersection will stay the same Mr. Aust stated the curbing would need to change to accommodate the flow of traffic but the sidewalks will stay the same. Mr. Reis asked for more visual presentations of the change for drivers during the transition period at the four-way stops. The Town Manager stated there would be new street markings added as additional indicators to drivers. Page 2 of 9/ February 7, 2023 9. Public Hearing a. Case Number 202301 SE Special Exception Request- Daycare Center- Ordinance 2023-02 Caroline Smith gave the staff report for the Special Exception request at the property located at 995 Peppers Ferry Road. Memorial Baptist Church has requested a special exception for a daycare, as the previous special exception request had expired. Ms. Smith stated there would be no new construction, only playground improvements. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval. The Vice Mayor opened and closed the public hearing as there were no speakers. The motion was made by Mr. Clontz and seconded by Mr. Radcliffe to approve the ordinance. Gregory C. East- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye b. Case Number 2023-03ZA Zoning Amendment to Section 11.2, Definitions - Ordinance 2023-03 Caroline Smith gave the staff report for the additional language to the definition of Houses of Worship. The Town Council asked the Planning Commission to add items to the Houses of Worship definition of conditions tied to warming stations. The Planning Commission voted to 1.) add only individuals from Pulaski County and 2.) operation from 6pm- lam. The Town Council had asked the Planning Commission to also include the number of people, number of stays, and requiring identification. Mr. Dawson asked how verification of residency would happen if identification wasn't necessary. Ms. Smith stated the police department could check identification. Mr. Reis stated there are other ways to acknowledge residency; voter card, utility bills, mail, etc. The Vice Mayor opened the public hearing. Marc LeBlanc asked if there is a definition of residency and how long they have been a resident to qualify as a person is seeking shelter in a warming station may not have established residency. Page 3 of 9/ February 7, 2023 Mr. East stated there was no way to define residency and if they are a resident they wouldn't need to be at the warming station. Mr. Dawson recalled the warming station at Take it to the Streets requires identification as a safety measure. The Town Manager stated the warming station's requirement of having identification was to ensure they were servicing only Pulaski County and not persons from outside the area. Mr. LeBlanc spoke again stating any organization providing a warming station should make their own requirements instead of the town, as the churches are the ones providing the service. Matthew Hurt stated his concerns in case of an emergency and that if you are not a resident of the county, you will not be able to use the service, which goes against the purpose of a warming station. The Vice Mayor closed the public hearing. Mr. Reis agreed the residency requirements would be difficult to enforce and it doesn't capture the concerns that were expressed. Mr. Dawson stated the previous warming station's approved had concern for safety for the participants and as well as staff. The Town Manager stated in the case of an emergency there are exceptions that are put into place that aren't usually used and this ordinance doesn't address emergency situations. Mr. East stated the intent of providing identification was to address the increased transient problem. The motion was made by Mr. Radcliffe and seconded by Mr. East to approve the ordinance. Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Nay Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Nay c. Property for Sale; 124 Pierce Street- Resolution 2023-07 The Town Manager reported a contractor offered to purchase the site for the purpose of construction of a single-family residence. The property was originally intended for 3-D printed homes by Alquist which left the area. A public hearing is required for the disposition of public property. Page 4 of 9/ February 7, 2023 The Vice Mayor opened the Public Hearing. Terrie Sternberg asked what happened with Alquist's efforts to produce homes. The Town Manager stated Alquist determined the cost of the materials to build the house was greater than they had anticipated and they did not have the financing. If they decide to return to the town, there are additional locations the town can make available. The Vice Mayor closed the Public Hearing. The motion was made by Mr. Reis and seconded by Mr. Radcliffe to approve the resolution. Gregory C. East- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye 10. Ordinance 2023-04 Amending Chapter 82 Article II- Vehicle Licenses The Town Manager explained the town's ability to now eliminate town decals due to additional enforcement tools being available to finance. A license fee will be the alternative to the decal which will be at the same cost as the previous decal and due at the - same time as personal property taxes. The motion was made by Mr. East and seconded by Mr. Clark to approve the ordinance. Gregory C. East- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye 11. Ordinance 2023-05 Amending Chapter 82 Article III- Parking in Front of Mailboxes The Town Manager explained this amendment was intended to add to the list of places where parking is prohibited. She reported residents are parking in front of mailboxes, thus impeding the conduct of business. Mr. Clontz asked if this amendment prohibits parking for twenty-four hours as there are many residents who do not have adequate space to park their vehicles at their residence. Mr. Reis asked if the town could limit the non -parking to business hours. Mr. Dawson asked if the amendment could include the spacing of vehicles. Mr. Reis asked for a motion to table the ordinance for further staff review. Page 5 of 9/ February 7, 2023 Mr. Clontz seconded the motion. Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye 12. Resolution 2023-08 Amending the Pay and Classification Plan The Town Manager explained the changes in job titles and the addition of two positions. The motion was made by Mr. East and seconded by Mr. Clark. Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye 13. Modification to Public Session Mr. Clark made the motion to accept two applications for appointments to the Pulaski Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Mr. Clontz seconded the motion. Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Abstained 14. Public Comment Period a. Matthew Hurt of Pulaski Terrance stated his support for improvements in the town, notably the skate park, the prospective brewery, and the staff that has been hired. He also stated his concern and frustration for the lack of communication between the town and its residents. He stated he feels the changes are not being completely thought out and explained clearly. b. Marc LeBlanc of Lexington Avenue stated his concerns for the road curves on Dora Highway, stating there are two sharp curves that need some type of identification that they are sharp turns. He also stated his concern for the lack of trash cans in the downtown area. c. Terri Sternberg of Washington Avenue stated her concerns for social issues that impact economic development; and that residents needing certain services are not being thought of when decisions are being made. She stated she feels the town is not providing the accessibility and the affordability for people to reach a higher quality of life in the town and county. She stated she is seeing more Green for Page 6 of 9/ February 7, 2023 Life trash cans on the street and would like to make sure the town will enforce the rules for the new trash cans. Ms. Sternberg asked how the town is handling buildings that have been neglected that need demolition. d. Ike Jeanes of Spruce Street addressed council with his lack of dumpster use on West Main Street and his issue of paying more for trash collection when he has been a low volume user in the past. 15. Consent Agenda- Consideration of January 17, 2023 Minutes The motion was made by Mr. East and seconded by Mr. Reis to approve the minutes. Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye 16. Council Comments Mr. Radcliffe asked if Green for Life is starting to collect trash cans that are not being used. He addressed Ms. Sternberg's concerns for the neglected houses, stating the problem lies within the court system, not the town. The court system has a lengthy process and it takes a lot of money to do something with those buildings. He stated he enjoys the convenience center and that it looks nice. Mr. Clontz stated the town needs to come up with a solution to the dumpster problem on West Main Street for the businesses. He stated the businesses have no way to come together and pay for a dumpster. The Town Manager stated the town is renting two dumpsters for the businesses on West Main Street while the construction is being done. She stated Pulaski on Main volunteered to be the contact point to figure out a dumpster service. She stated that PSA was the one to pull dumpsters and the issue is how the town would pay for the dumpster service when the two currently are removed. She stated there is a meeting scheduled with Pulaski on Main to come up with a solution and that she had recommended a compacter dumper than could be monitored and billed correctly with the use of a business code to access the dumpster. Ms. Sternberg address council again stating she had spoken to Green for Life and asked if they could provide residential pickup but have the dumpster in place instead of individual trash cans. She stated Green for Life has never done that as they need a billable address to link to the account. She stated Pulaski on Main is trying to coordinate with Green for Life to resolve the issue. Mr. Dawson stated it was a simple solution with PSA providing a dumpster but it was not fair to some businesses as some were paying and some were not. Page 7 of 9/ February 7, 2023 Mr. East stated he feels it should be a Green for Life issue as they are the contacted company to provide the service. Mr. Clontz stated he disagreed saying it is the town's responsibility as the town pulled something out that the businesses were used to for a number of years. Mr. Rygas stated it was the PSA's decision to not provide dumpster service to the businesses in town, and it was the town's decision to provide residential trash collection. Mr. Reis asked if information for the convenience site could clarified by Green for Life. He also asked if the town could conduct animal control in the town. He stated he knows the county has the service but staff is limited. Mr. Dawson asked if current staff from the Police Department, Fire Department, or Public Works could possibly go through training to go with animal control. The Town Manager stated it is more than just staff that is needed, specific equipment, and a separate vehicle would also be needed. She stated certain data would need to be collected on calls within the town to see if the need justifies the expense. Mr. East stated there are private companies that are available for such calls. Mr. Dawson stated town staff is working continuously and short staffed and wished we could communicate everything to everyone. He stated with continuous work there will be change and change is what people are asking for, and the problems that arise are needed, but he encourages residents to stay involved. The more residents are involved, the less likely they will miss something or not understand the process of how things are done and why it takes longer than what is desired. He thanked everyone for their participation in the meeting. 17. Manager's Report The Town Manager stated to ensure communication is increased she encouraged residents to register for CodeRED which is an alert system through the county's emergency services department sent to a phone number with alerts. She also stated to improve communication to call and get the correct information and pass that information on to others. She announced the One Bag Challenge which asks people in the town and county to collect one bag of trash, take before and after photos, and be eligible for a prize drawing. She also mentioned the town has re -instated two programs to help with derelict properties, the Vacant Building Registration which reminds people that the building is vacant ad needs to be managed and the Rental Inspection Program which insures renters are living in safe conditions. She asked council to consider a date and time that would be beneficial to present the service awards to employees and also to tour the Police Department and Fire Department. Council agreed to start their next meeting at 4 p.m. Page 8 of 9/ February 7, 2023 18. Reminder of Future Council Meeting a. February 21, 2023; 4:00 pm for Service Award Presentations and Public Safety Tour; 6:15 p.m. Closed Session; 7:00 p.m. Open Session 19. There being no further business, the Vice -Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:58 pm. ATTEST bff�ia C. Hale Clerk of Council TOWN ' PULASK VIRGINIA Brooks R. Dawson Vice -Mayor Page 9 of 9/ February 7, 2023