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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-02-23Town Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 2, 2023 1. Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and asked for a roll call. Gregory C. East- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Michael P. Reis- Absent Mayor Collins- Aye 2. The Mayor asked for a motion to go into Closed Session to discuss the following items: a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 8 (1 item)- Consultation with Legal Counsel b. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 3 (3 items)- Consideration of the Acquisition/Disposition of Real Property; Main Street/ North Washington Ave c. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (1 item)- Discussion of a Personnel Matter The motion was made by Mr. Clark and seconded by Mr. Dawson. Gregory C. East- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Michael P. Reis- Absent Mr. Reis joined the Closed Session after roll call. Open Session 7:07 p.m. 3. Certification of Closed Session- The Mayor asked for a motion to certify that only the following items were discussed in Closed Session: a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 8 (1 item)- Consultation with Legal Counsel b. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 3 (3 items)- Consideration of the Acquisition/Disposition of Real Property; Main Street/ North Washington Ave c. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (1 item)- Discussion of a Personnel Matter The motion was made by Mr. Clark and seconded by Mr. Reis. Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye 4. Mr. Reis 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. Page 1 of 4/ May 2, 2023 7. Modification of Public Session- No modifications were made. 8. Presentations a. Infrastructure Update- Scott Aust The Town Manager introduced Wes Williamson, Utilities Maintenance Superintendent, who will be overseeing the Filter Plant and Pump Stations. She also gave an update on the procurement of an on-call Engineering Firm which will fulfill some of the duties of the Town Engineer. She noted that Mr. Aust has been appointed the Engineering Department Manager. Mr. Aust reported on the upgrades to the Critzer pump station, the Dora Highway pump stations, Filter Plant, the raw water intake pumps, and plans for regular maintenance of these activities. Austin Painter shared with Council the benefits of a new inventory software and the need to become pro -active in keeping the infrastructure up to date, to maintain routine maintenance, and reduce repairs. 9. Public Hearing a. Sale of 321 Maple Street- Resolution 2023-16 The Town Manager reported this property was purchased at a delinquent tax sale and is the site of an ARS home, which has been purchased. She noted that any profit that the Town makes from selling ARS homes goes into a fund which is used to construct additional ARS homes in the town. The Mayor opened and closed the Public Hearing as there were no speakers. The motion was made by Mr. Reis and seconded by Mr. Radcliffe to approve the resolution. Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye 10. Discussion- Convenience Center Operation The Town Manager reported the need for resident identification to use the Convivence Center as the use of town decals is no longer applicable and there is evidence that the center is being used by both residents who are not paying for trash collection and nonresidents. The Town Manager suggested the use of a utility bill would be the most desirable form of identification. Page 2 of 4/ May 2, 2023 Mr. East stated this issue is a budgetary one as the monthly cost that is charged to residents is used to pay for the dumpster rentals, hauling the refuse to the landfill, and the site attendant. The Town Manager stated the issue is also one of fairness as residents who are not paying the trash collection fee are using the center. She also stated that allowing county and town residents to use the center would increase the monthly rate for town residents as the frequency of trips to the landfill would increase as well as the need for more dumpsters at the center. Mr. Reis stated he would like to see the users continue showing any form of town residency to use the center. Mr. Radcliffe shared his belief and experience that not allowing access to the center would increase litter and dumping on the roadways. 11. Public Comment Period- No speakers were present. 12. Consent Agenda a. Consideration of April 18, 2023 Minutes The motion was made by Mr. Dawson and seconded by Mr. Clark 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 13. Council Comments Mr. Clark asked if there could be more speed enforcement on Newbern Road and MacGill Street. Mr. Dawson suggested the town allocate funding for increased landscaping for town - maintained properties. Mr. Radcliffe stated he enjoyed the two-way traffic and he cannot wait for Main Street to be completed. Mr. Clontz stated it was great to see the Marketplace open again and reminded residents of the Music and Merchants Festival on May 20th. Mr. Reis stated the ladder sculpture looks very cool and people will talk about events like these for a long time. Mr. Reis also stated the two-way traffic flows well and it feels like Page 3 of 4/ May 2, 2023 you're coming into a different town and small changes can change your prospective. Mr. Reis also stated there is a leaky value on 6th Street and Washington Ave. The Mayor mentioned the traffic on Main Street is increasing and the flow of traffic is faster. He stated the town is looking better all the time. 14. Manager's Report The Town Manager reported on participation in the Housing Summit in Wytheville where they presented some available properties, both commercial and residential, that are available for development in the town. She noted the Marketplace is open and includes a wide range of vendors from baked goods to farm raised meats and eggs. She reminded council of the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive on Wednesday at the train station. She stated she has heard positive comments regarding the two-way streets and that it is faster to travel through downtown. It was also noted that Main Street would be paved as soon as the streetscapes project was completed. She reported she was excited to see a Tea Room coming to the downtown and that Randolph Ave is paved except for the portion where the water line is being replaced. She stated the town will be advertising the public hearing for the budget this Friday, which will be presented on 16th of May. 15. Reminder of Future Council Meeting a. May 16, 2023, Closed Session 6:00 p.m.; Open Session 7:00 p.m. 16. With no further business, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:43 p.m. Attest r4 1 � ( % i , l (A - Olivia /-Olivia C. Hale Clerk of Council THE TOWN OF PULASKI, VIRGINIA W. Shannon Collins Mayor Page 4 of 4/ May 2, 2023