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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-01-23E Town Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, August 1, 2023 1. Mayor called the meeting to order at 5:30 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- Absent 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) 1 (1 item)- Appointments: Town Manager The motion was made by Mr. Clark and seconded by Mr. Dawson. 7:09 p.m. Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Absent Open Session 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) 1 (1 item)- Appointments: Town Manager 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- Absent Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye 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 to Public Session- no modifications were made 8. Presentations a. Vegg Inc.- Cody Journell Mr. Journell, President/CEO of Vegg Inc presented to council the plans for a Vertical Farming Facility in the Jefferson Elementary School. He reported the Page 1 of 8/ August 1, 2023 1 challenges in the current agriculture section with the decrease in production while there is an increase in population, and losing farmland to development. He showed council the production system using LED lighting, hydroponics, and robotics and stated the produce in the proposed facility is grown without pesticides and in a controlled environment, with no concern for outside elements altering growth. He also shared the challenges with vertical farming which included high capital requirements, tight operating margins, and environmental impacts such as energy grid depletion, new construction, and fossil fuel reliance. He presented the plans for the Jefferson School, using historic tax credits and other government subsidies to provide high-tech leasable space to vertical farming companies. He stated the use of existing buildings will reduce the carbon footprint, along with the use of recycled CO2, solar panels, rain water, and wind generators with the goal of making this facility carbon negative. Luke Allison, Chief Development Officer, presented the proposed funding sources for this facility with Historic Tax Credits, and the ability to lease to different companies residing in the building. He stated the goal of this project is not to compete with local farmers, but it will provide a solution to help distribute additional produce when there is a gap in production. Mr. Radcliffe asked about the condition of the school. Mr. Journell stated the foundation of the school is good. It has been looked at by architects and engineers and the main issue would be water in the basement but that could be filtered and recycled and used in production. The Town Manager reminded council that the Town and County participated in equal shares to allow the purchase of the building by a private individual with hopes of revitalization of the school and community. Mr. Allison stated the other entities involved in this project include Virginia Tech, MOVA technologies, a company in South Carolina which is helping in research and development and a consultant company in the United Kingdom. Mr. Radcliffe asked if this project is like Red Sun Farms. Mr. Journell stated it was similar, however, Red Sun Farms is a greenhouse operation, whereas the vertical farming techniques use LED lights to grow what the produce needs. He also stated Red Sun Farms has to burn natural gas continuously to heat the building or supplement CO2. 9. Public Hearing a. Case 2023-ZA-001 Medical Office Definition. Ordinance 2023-11 Page 2 of 8/ August 1, 2023 1 J Summer Bork provided the following definition of a medical office(s) to be added to the Zoning Ordinance as follows: "Medical Office(s): an establishment in which doctors, dentists, or other practitioners licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia provide healthcare services to clients, including medical or health -related physical or massage therapy, exclusively on an outpatient basis, and may offer minor surgical care, but do not provide substance abuse disorder services, overnight care, or serve as a base for an ambulance service." The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval. Mr. Reis asked if there was a definition for `substance abuse disorder services.' Ms. Bork stated there was no definition for that service, however, there was concern by Planning Commissioners that there might be facilities treating mental health disorders with pharmaceuticals, but not addressing the causes of addiction. Mr. Reis stated this definition would prohibit facilities offering counseling. Ms. Bork stated the Planning Commission wanted to recommend a blanket definition that could be reviewed with a special exception. Mr. Reis stated the definition is very broad and raises confusion. The Mayor opened and closed the public hearing as there were no speakers. Mr. East stated `substance abuse disorder' needs to be defined and if the intent is to prohibit certain organizations, the term should be defined. Mr. Reis stated council could pass the ordinance without the term in the definition and ask the Planning Commission to review and provide a better -defined term. Mr. Rygas gave council the option of passing it as written or referring it back to the Planning Commission for further review, but returning it to the Planning Commission would mean there wouldn't be a current definition for Medical Office(s) and there would be a wait time for the commission to clean up the definition. The motion was made by Mr. Reis and seconded by Mr. Dawson to approve Ordinance 2023-11 with the elimination of `substance abuse disorder services.' Gregory C. East- Nay Jeremy L. Clark- Nay Brooks R. Dawson- Nay James A. Radcliffe- Nay G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Michael P. Reis- Aye The motion was made by Mr. East and seconded by Mr. Clark to approve Ordinance 2023-11 as written. Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Page 3 of 8/ August 1, 2023 1 1 1 Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Nay The motion was made by Mr. East and seconded by Mr. Radcliffe to refer the term `substance abuse disorder services' back to the Planning Commission for further review and definition. Gregory C. East- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Michael P. Reis- Aye b. Case 2023-ZA-002 Removing "Utility Services, Major from Section 4.12.2-1 and adding "Utility Services, Major" to Section 4.12.2-2. Ordinance 2023-12 Ms. Bork gave the staff report and stated the Planning Commission has recommended `Utilities Services, Major be removed from a bi-right use to a special exception. The Planning Commission's vote was unanimous. The Mayor opened and closed the public hearing as there were no speakers. The motion was made by Mr. Dawson and seconded by Mr. Reis to approve Ordinance 2023-12. Gregory C. East- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Michael P. Reis- Aye c. Case 2023-ZA-003 Zoning Map Adoption. Ordinance 2023-13 Ms. Bork provided the staff report stating the last official zoning map adopted by Town Council was in 1987 while Section 12.1 of the zoning ordinance refers to a 2022 zoning map, although no map accompanies the document. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend adoption of the Town's Zoning Map dated August 2022 to include all parcels rezoned after 08/01/2022. Mr. Dawson asked if a new map would have to be adopted each time a parcel is rezoned. The Town Manager stated a new map does not need to adopted each time but the zoning changes need to be added, afterwards, which has not been done consistently in the past. The Mayor opened and closed the public hearing as there were no speakers. The motion was made by Mr. Reis and seconded by Mr. East to approve Ordinance 2023-13. Page 4 of 8/ August 1, 2023 1 Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye . G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye d. Case 2023-5E-002 Special Exception for Mixed -Use Development of 67, 69, and 73 West Main St. Ordinance 2023-14 Ms. Bork stated Peak Creek Partners have submitted plans to develop three parcels on West Main St. The development includes three commercial spaces and eight residences. The plans for these properties are in keeping with the town's goals as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan, Future Land Use Map, and Downtown Revitalization Masterplan. The Planning Commission voted unanimously for approval. The Town Manager reminded council that 67 and 69 West Main Street were properties owned by the Redevelopment Housing Authority that were transferred to the developer under a performance agreement, and under that agreement, there would be a certain number of upper units and the lower portion would be retail. It was discovered when the building permit was requested that the locations were not zoned for this use. The developers have added 73 West Main Street to the project and are planning to make a single building out of the three buildings. Luke Allison approached the podium to answer any questions. There were none. The Mayor opened and closed the public hearing as there were no speakers. The motion was made by Mr. East and seconded by Mr. Clark to approve Ordinance 2023-14. Gregory C. East- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Michael P. Reis- Aye e. Resolution 2023-38 Appropriating Funds to the Calfee School Adaptive Reuse Project The Town Manager reported the Town had previously received funding from two grants over a year ago totaling just over two -million dollars for the Calfee School renovations. She stated due to the amount of time that had transpired, the project bids came in slightly over four -million dollars. The contractor has been working with the town and representatives from Calfee to reduce the scope to within budget. The previous appropriations were short $117,000 of the revised scope and the Calfee CCC LLC has come for forward to make up that difference. She also reminded council of the ground breaking planned on August 19th at Calfee School at 11 am. Page 5 of 8/ August 1, 2023 1 1 1 The Mayor opened the public hearing. Michael Barbour, Calfee Board Member thanked council and the Town Manager for their work on the project. Mr. Barbour stated that the organization would use additional grants when they become available. The Mayor closed the public hearing. The motion was made by Mr. Clark and seconded by Mr. Dawson to approve Resolution 2023-38. Mr. Reis read his declaration stating that pursuant to VA Code 2.2-3115, he is a registered agent for Calfee CCC LLC and the Calfee Community and Culture Center and he is not engaged as their attorney or retained in any matter by either organization. Mr. Reis believes he could participate in the transaction fairly, objectively, and in the public interest, however he chooses to abstain from voting. Gregory C. East- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Brooks R. Dawson -Aye 10. Public Comment Period- No speakers were present. 11. Consent Agenda James A. Radcliffe -Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Michael P. Reis- Abstained a. Consideration of July 18, 2023 Town Council Minutes The motion was made by Mr. East and seconded by Mr. Clark to approve the minutes. Gregory C. East- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Michael P. Reis- Aye 12. Council Comments Mr. Clark asked about the mural on the old Taking it to the Streets location. The Town Manager stated the owner of the building had agreed that Pulaski on Main, through a grant, could use the wall for a new mural. James Hardie has donated Hardie board to build a new mural, with letters spelling Pulaski painted on Hardie boards which are waiting to be hung. The project was to have been completed by art students at New River Community College but they are now looking for volunteers to hang the boards. Page 6 of 8/ August 1, 2023 Mr. Dawson stated National Night Out looked like a huge success and thanked the Town Manager for the work being done on the Calfee project and the behind -the -scenes work being done by many that not everyone sees. Mr. Radcliffe stated it was a great turnout for National Night Out. The Town Manager stated there was over $350 donated by town employees for the school supplies that T.G. Howard gave out at National Night Out. Mr. Reis thanked town staff for their work on a number of events. He mentioned the Friends of Peak Creek had a great event a few weeks ago. He also thanked Nate Repass, our Outdoors Facility Coordinator for his work on the Pickle Ball Courts. He also stated that it's great seeing people using our outdoor facilities throughout the town. Mayor Collins asked if the planters in Jackson Park could be de -weeded and cleaned up He also asked if the creek area at Kiwanis Park could be cleared of weeds. Dr. Hickman thanked council for the pickleball courts. The Mayor asked if the council should take action on the request from the Housing Authority. The Town Manager reported that work continued to obtain renovation of the McCarthy building for the Great Wilderness Brewery. She stated the town received $750,000 from a IRF Grant. A planning grant was also received for design work. The bid came in double the amount available. In spite of the efforts of the contractor, to lower the costs, the project is still short $40,000 to approve a contract. If the town appropriates $25,000, along with the county matching $25,000 and county EDA matching $25,000, a contract can be authorized. She stated the building is owned by the Redevelopment and Housing Authority and that organization has requested that the town participate in matching funds. If approved, a resolution appropriating funds will be presented at a later meeting. She stated she has identified where those funds could be made available without any negative impact on the town budget. The motion was made by Mr. Reis and seconded by Mr. Clark to authorize the Town Manager to identify $25,000 in the budget as the town's contribution to the project. Gregory C. East- Aye Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye James A. Radcliffe- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Michael P. Reis -Aye 13. Manager's Report The Town Manager stated the Pickle Ball Courts are complete and the striping of the basketball courts would be completed next week after they are pressure washed. She also Page 7 of 8/ August 1, 2023 C mentioned the sculpture has now been placed at the train station and the striping of the Y- intersection has been completed. 14. Reminder of Future Council Meeting a. August 15, 2023, Closed Session 6:00 p.m.; Open Session 7:00 p.m. 15. With no further business, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:39 p.m. TOWN OF PULASKI, VIRGINIA W. Shannon Collins Mayor AST_ OU ) / a OCH a 2j--, O ivia C. Hale Clerk of Council Page 8 of 8/ August 1, 2023