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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-04-25 Town Council PacketAgenda Town Council Meeting Tuesday, March 4, 2025 6:00 p.m. Closed Session Council Chambers 1. Meeting Called to Order (Vice-Mayor Dawson) 2. Roll Call (Clerk of Council) 3. Modification to Closed Session (Vice-Mayor Dawson) 4. Enter into Closed Session for the following items: a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (2 items)- Personnel Matters i. Appointments to Boards ii. Town Manager b. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 3 (1 item)- Acquisition/ Disposition of Real Property i. SHAH Development 7:00 p.m. Public Session Council Chambers 1. Certification of Closed Session (Vice-Mayor Dawson) 2. Pledge of Allegiance (Councilwoman Cope) 3. Invocation (Councilman Clark) 4. Guests and Visitors (Vice-Mayor Dawson) 5. Modification to Public Session (Vice-Mayor Dawson) 6. Presentations a. Condemnation Process- Code Enforcement Officer, Carla Hodge & Acting Building Official, Nathan Smythers b. Streetscapes Update- Project Engineer, Austin Painter 7. Discussion(s) a. Fine Arts Center $3,000 Supplemental Funding Request (voting) 8. Public Comment Period (The Town Council welcomes your input. You may address the Council by completing a speaker’s slip available at the door and giving it to the Clerk of Council prior to the meeting. At this time, you may address Council on items that are not on the agenda. The limit is three (3) minutes for each speaker.) 9. Consent Agenda (Voting) a. Consideration February 18, 2025 Town Council Minutes Reasonable accommodation will be provided for persons with disabilities, if requested. 10. Council Comments & Board Updates 11. Manager’s Report (Manager Day) a. Sewer Interceptor Project b. One Bag Challenge with Pulaski County March 1st- June 30th c. Broussard’s General Store 1 year anniversary & Ribbon Cutting 12. Reminder of Future Council Meeting (Vice-Mayor Dawson) a. March 12, 2025 6:00 p.m. Budget Work Session b. March 18, 2025, Closed Session 6:00 p.m., Open Session 7:00 p.m. Presentation(s) Information TOWN OF PULASKI BLIGHTED PROPERTIES ABATEMENT PROCESS CODE ENFORCEMENT PROCESS The Town of Pulaski’s Code of Ordinances (Chapter 38 Article III) that is intended to set forth and consolidate the Code provisions dealing with the responsibility of citizens to keep property within the town free of trash, refuse, debris, weeds and inoperative vehicles; and to remove or repair bighted and unsafe buildings, and to otherwise abate any public nuisance. Provisions of this article are in addition to, and not in lieu of, the requirements of any uniform codes which have been adopted by the town, including but not limited to the Part III of the 2021 VA Maintenance Code. The owner of property within the town shall have the duty to remove, repair or secure any building, wall or other structure which might endanger the public health or safety of other residents of the Town. Blighted Definition per Town Code: Blighted property means any individual commercial, industrial, or residential structure or improvement that endangers the public's health, safety, or welfare because the structure or improvement upon the property is dilapidated, deteriorated, or violates minimum health and safety standards. Unsafe Structure Definition per VA Maintenance Code: An existing structure determined by the code official to be dangerous to the health, safety, and welfare of the occupants of the structure or the public because of but not limited to any of the following conditions: 1. The structure contains unsafe equipment. 2. The structure is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, structurally unsafe, or of such faulty construction or unstable foundation that partial or complete collapse is likely. 3. The structure is vacant, and unsecured or open. 4. The degree to which the structure is in disrepair or lacks maintenance, ventilation, illumination, sanitary or heating facilities, or other essential equipment. 5. The required plumbing and sanitary facilities are inoperable. ACTIONS REQUIRED TO GAIN COMPLIANCE: Citizen Complaint/Officer Surveillance If a building or property is reported to be blighted or unsafe, the Building Official and/or Property Maintenance Official, shall inspect the building to determine whether it is, in fact unsafe or blighted. Inspection/Documentation The Property Maintenance Official shall make a preliminary determination that a property is in violation of any provisions of the Town Code and/or 2021 VA Maintenance Code. If violations of the code are found to exist: • Property shall be photographed for documentation to be included in case file. • Violation severity will determine the compliance date. If conditions exist which render the structure a hazard to the safety and general welfare of the people of the town, the town will take necessary action for making the structure safe, all costs being billed to the property owner. • The Building Official, Property Maintenance Official will update property case file to reflect violations found and action taken. • The Building Official, Property Maintenance Official may attempt to contact the property owner or tenant prior to formal notice of violation is served. Notification of violation to property owner The Building Official, Property Maintenance Official shall serve a notice of violation to the person responsible for any real property and/or the owner of the property that is not incompliance. Form of Notice of Violation shall be given in accordance with all of the following: • The Notice shall be in writing. • The Notice shall be sent to the person or entity listed by the Pulaski County Parcel Map as owner of the property at issue. • 14 days will be the standard time given for compliance. • Notice shall include description for identification purposes, and shall include a statement of violations determined to exist on the property, listing the specific references to the sections of this code which are alleged to have been violated. • Notice shall include corrective action needed to be in compliance with provisions of code. Method of Service The notice of violation shall be deemed property served if a copy is: • Sent by certified mail addressed to the property owner at the address of the property or address listed as owner’s tax mailing address, or owners last known address. • Notice may be posted on property in a conspicuous place if notice was not deliverable. • Published in a newspaper having general circulation in the town at least once a week for two successive weeks. Extensions of Time Extension of time may be granted upon written request and good cause is shown. No extension will be granted unless the owner or responsible party acknowledges in writing that a violation exists and that, if corrective action is not completed in the time period allowed, the town may proceed to take corrective action. Re-inspection After the compliance time has expired, the Property Maintenance Official will perform re-inspection of property to determine if the violations have been corrected. • If the violations have been corrected, the case is closed and the records updated to reflect property compliance. • If voluntary compliance cannot be reached, the official shall seek a warrant for the property owner for failure to comply with the orders of the Maintenance/ Code Official. Court Action A summons is issued and a court date is set. At time of hearing, if the owner has not corrected property violations, the court may impose fines and/or may give additional time to comply, with the court setting a future date for case review. The failure or refusal of an owner to comply with the notice of violation of this article by taking corrective action within the time period allowed shall constitute a class 3 misdemeanor. Case Completion Case is updated to reflect court order for repairs of structure and any fines determined. • Official re-inspects and photographs the property for compliance to report back to the court upon case review. When owner or property heirs fail to comply to Notice of Violation, the code official will proceed with the Demolition Process: • Place Legal Notice in local publication for two successive weeks. • Structure is tested for asbestos and lead. • Quotes are taken for demolition cost and asbestos/lead abatement. • Contract is awarded to demolish the structure. • The cost of demolition and removal, an additional fee of $250 plus a charge for administrative costs of 25% of all expenses shall be charged to the property owner and will be collected by the town as a lien. • Case is closed and Official begins the billing or lien process. • Town Attorney begins legal process to acquire ownership of property. Unsafe Structures The listed properties have been deemed structurally unsafe, to the degree that partial or complete collapse is likely. The town abates grass at 10 of these properties each season. 1 809 Pepper Street 2 406 Columbia Drive-boarded 3 1703 Case Knife Road 4 1617 Lee Hwy 5 1621 Lee Hwy-boarded 6 119 Pinnacle Street—burned structure 7 409 Maple Street 8 413 Maple Street--boarded 9 402 Floyd Ave--boarded 10 602 Walnut Ave—boarded/burned structure 11 230 Stuart Lane--boarded 12 423 Lexington Ave 13 601 Orchard Road--boarded 14 552 Monroe Ave--boarded 15 610 7th Street NE--boarded 16 135 S. Madison Ave--boarded 17 916 Craig Street Average demolish cost--$15,000.00 x 17 = 255,000.00 Avg. asbestos testing/removal--- $750.00 x 17= 12,750.00 Total= $267,750.00 Vacant Residential Structures 1 1 24 2nd Street SE—Boarded/ town abates grass 30. 116 Spruce Street 59. 410 Floyd Ave 2 1731 Randolph Ave-Boarded/town abates grass 31. 422 Pulaski Street 60. 104 Third Street 3 1615 Case Knife Rd—town abates grass 32. 410 Pulaski Street 61. 609 S. Madison Ave 4 1708 Dora Hwy—town abates grass 33. 416 Pulaski Terrace 62. 415 Randolph Ave 5 1209 MacGill Street 34. 0 Maple Street 63. 139 4th Street NW 6 1039 Crescent Street 35. 137 Maple Street 64. 910 Valley Road 7 1224 MacGill Street 36. 206 S Jefferson Ave 8 619 Short Street 37. 127 Lagrange Street 9 250 10th Street 38. 306 Cliff Street 10 253 10th Street NW 39. 217 Bertha Street 11 206 2nd Street SE—town abates grass 40. 223 Bertha Street 12 418 S Madison Ave 41. 1013 Garner Ave 13 728 Elizabeth Street-town abates grass 42. 618 Highland Terrace 14 508 Jackson Ave-town abates grass 43. 827 Highland Terrace 15 620 Henry Ave 44. 1640 Randolph Ave 16 84 2nd Bertha Street 45. 1624 Randolph Ave 17 189 Linden Circle-town abates grass 46. 629 Monroe Ave 18 701 Orchard Street 47. 1022 6th Street SE 19 840 Pepper Street 48. 105 Tower Street 20 644 6th Street NE-town abates grass 49. 125 Bryant Circle 21 657 6th Street NE 50. 1328 Dora Hwy 22 416 Lafayette Street 51. 1517 Dora Hwy 23 657 4th Street NE 52. 527 Patterson Ave 24 621 Monroe Ave 53. 216 Russell Street 25 640 Mt Olivet Road 54. 120 Bridge Street—town abates grass 26 317 Summit Street 55. 24 Crestline Dr 27 258 Magazine Street 56. 15 4th Street SE 28 247 Magazine Street—town abates grass 57. 411 Lexington Ave 29 235 Magazine Street 58. 619 Stout Lane ex a m p l e e x a m p l e ex a m p l e ex a m p l e ex a m p l e ex a m p l e Consent Agenda Town Council Meeting Minutes February 18, 2025 1. Mayor Collins called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and asked for a roll call. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 2. Councilman Burchett lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Councilman Clark gave the invocation. 4. Mayor Collins welcomed all in attendance and viewing online. 5. Modification to Public Session- Mayor Collins asked to remove the following items from the agenda: a. Remove Discussion item B, Home Consortium Cooperation Agreement b. Remove the February 19, 2025 Budget Work Session from Reminder of Future Council Meeting c. Add Closed Session before Adjournment under VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (1 item)- Personnel Matters, Town Manager The motion was made by Councilman Clontz and seconded by Councilwoman Cope to approve the modifications. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 6. Presentations a. Fine Arts Center Supplemental Funding- John Ross Mr. Ross reported the Fine Arts Center is celebrating their 47th year in Pulaski, they are the oldest, longest continuous running business in the historic Main Street district. The Fine Arts Center offers education programs, art and music classes, provide a variety of concerts throughout the year, and support local artist through art shows and their gift shop. Along with showcasing local artists, the Fine Arts Center holds annual events such as the Scholastic Art Awards. This year will be the 102nd year for the awards, and the teens that are showcased in the event are from all over southwest Virginia win awards and qualify for $1,750 in scholarships that is funded by a private donor. Another large event for the center is the Rhythm by the Rails summer concert series. Mr. Ross reported along with the increasing attendance, the cost has also increased. The event in 2024 brought in 600 people to the town and cost $8,803 for food trucks and bands. The center applies for funding for the town and county through the VCAA Challenge Grants, they are trying to locate corporate sponsors, and additional grants, but he is requesting an additional $3,000 from both the town and county to supplement their funds for the Rhythm by the Rails event. Vice-Mayor Dawson asked if there was anything the town could do, coordination wise, that would benefit the budget with the event. Mr. Ross stated the town already sets up the stage, and the perimeter, the center has to pay for a sound and lighting person and the biggest expense is the bands. Councilman Burchett asked what type of fundraisers the center has. Mr. Ross stated they do a variety of thigs such as their gift shop and exhibits are all local artists which brings in several thousand dollars a year, they apply for multiple grants, and he hopes that working with the entrepreneurial program with the Innovation Center, they may find a different form of funding that’s not just arts related. Vice-Mayor Dawson stated he recently read an article that the state of Virginia had created funding for outdoor tourism and the whole purpose of the funding was to try and put money from the state level into events like Rhythm by the Rails. Mr. Ross stated he had spoken with Ms. Tolbert from Pulaski Tourism and the smallest event that the grant would go to would have to have a minimum attendance of 2,000 people and you have to show a consistent attendance of 2,000 or more over multiple years. Councilman Erickson asked if any programs from the high school or New River Community College that would help with the sound and other factors. Mr. Ross stated he wasn’t sure and since the event is in the summer, the kids aren’t in school. Mayor Collins stated the Council would vote on the requesting $3,000 at the following meeting on March 4th. b. Police Department Update- Chief S. Shumate Chief Shumate reported the Police Department has generated 2,313 incident numbers, they completed 1,057 business checks, 3 trespass arrests, and 30 trespass notifications issued. With the cold weather spells, the officers are working very hard, stated Chief Shumate, and if the officer see someone walking when it’s cold, they will take them to the warming station, they are continuously asking individuals if they need additional resources and trying to provide those resources. The cold weather has also brought issues with vehicles, most of the police vehicles are front-wheel drive which causes officers to shuffle vehicles between the shifts and Chief Shumate stated he has enjoyed seeing the officers work together to ensure each officer is well equipped. Chief Shumate reported on personnel updates stating that Lieutenant Dickerson has been released from a worker’s compensation claim and Sergeant Croteau, while not back on the road, has been learning the investigations unit. He reported Officer Minor and Officer Saunders are the two newest officers that graduated the academy in December and they are half way through their FTO process and Officer Nash is currently in the academy. Councilman Burchett asked what FTO stood for. Chief Shumate stated FTO stands for Field Training Officer, the state requires 150- minimum hours of training but the Pulaski Police Department requires over 300 hours to make sure each officer is prepared before they are in the field on their own. Chief Shumate stated Pulaski Police is a great department and it’s an honor and a privilege to be the chief here, he couldn’t ask for a better department. Vice-Mayor Dawson asked if there was an opportunity that the town needs to looks at, the style of vehicle, in some way different from what maybe we’ve had previously, to position ourselves with the right style of fleet. Chief Shumate stated when the Chargers were released, everyone wanted them but he believed they were going to stop making them and move to police SUVs, and the Durangos are much better suited for our environment, which is what the department will be moving towards. Vice-Mayor Dawson asked if there was a cost difference between the Charger and Durango. Chief Shumate stated he believed the Durangos were cheaper than Chargers. Councilman Burchett asked how many vehicles the department had. Chief Shumate stated they have roughly 35 vehicles. Councilwoman Cope asked how many of those vehicles are all-wheel-drive. Chief Shumate stated most of them are all-wheel-drive except the Chargers, which there are roughly a dozen of those and Manager Day is setting them up on a routine rotation for new vehicles every year and start phasing out the older ones or ones that need continuous repairs. Councilman Burchett asked out of the 35 vehicles, how many are they functional. Chief Shumate reported there were two that are down due to fuel issues from the recent flooding, and there’s always something minor with the vehicles but the town shop is very good about getting the cars back on the road as quick as they can. Councilman Erickson asked that the council receive an invite to Officer Nash’s graduation from the academy. Chief Shumate stated he would send out that information when it is provided and he planned to have Mayor Collins swear in the new officers and meet the Council, which will be scheduled at a different meeting. Chief Shumate announced that Mike Albert has been hired as the new Community Resource Officer and he’ll be a great resource to the agency and the community. Mayor Collins reported Chief Shumate was awarded the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Executive Certificate. Since February 2023 the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police has only awarded 40 chief executive certificates. 7. Resolution 2025-08 Appointing Brooks Dawson to the New River Valley Regional Commission The motion was made by Councilman Clontz and seconded by Councilman Clark to adopt Resolution 2025-08 as written. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz-Aye Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Abstained Joel B. Burchett- Aye 8. Resolution 2025-09 Appointing Members to the Virginia’s First Regional Industrial Authority The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Vice-Mayor Dawson to adopt Resolution 2025-09 as written. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Abstained Steven W. Erickson- Abstained Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 9. Discussion(s) a. Vegg Inc. Grant Application The motion was made by Vice-Mayor Dawson and seconded by Councilwoman Cope for Vegg Inc. to proceed with their grant application for DHCD as presented on February 4th. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Abstained Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye Councilman Clontz abstained for possible due to a potential conflict of interest. 10. Public Comment Period- No speakers were present. 11. Consent Agenda The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Vice-Mayor Dawson to adopt the December 17, 2024 Town Council minutes as written. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Abstained Steven W. Erickson- Abstained Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Abstained The motion was made by Vice-Mayor Dawson and seconded by Councilwoman Cope to adopt the February 4, 2025 Town Council minutes as written. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Abstained Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 12. Council Comments & Board Updates Councilman Clark thanked town staff that have been involved with the weather, water breaks, snow, and ice. Councilman Cope agreed with Councilman Clark and stated they have been doing a fantastic job. Vice-Mayor Dawson also agreed with Councilman Clark and stated he knows it’s been a ridiculously hard time for an awful lot of folks and it’s impossible for anyone to know what each individual had to put in to accomplish that. Councilman Erickson stated he and Councilwoman Cope attended the Chamber of Commerce breakfast and came back with nice ideas to bring to the town and also thanked town staff. Mayor Collins asked listeners to remember the family of Officer Andy Anderson, who passed away over the past weekend. 13. Reminder of Future Council Meeting a. March 4, 2025- Closed Session 6:00 p.m.; Open Session 7:00 p.m. 14. The Mayor asked for a motion to enter into Closed Session at 7:36 p.m. to discuss the following item(s): a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (1 item)- Personnel Matters i. Town Manager The motion was made by Councilwoman Cope and seconded by Councilman Clark. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye The following council members and staff entered into Closed Session: Councilman Clark, Councilwoman Cope, Vice-Mayor Dawson, Councilman Clontz, Councilman Erickson, Councilman Burchett, Mayor Collins, and Town Attorney, Scot Farthing. 15. Certification of Closed Session The Mayor asked for a motion to certify that only the following item(s) were discussed in Closed Session: a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (1 item)- Personnel Matters i. Town Manager The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Vice- Mayor Dawson. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 16. With no further business, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:08 p.m. General Info Town of Pulaski Town Manager’s Office P.O. Box 660 42 1st Street NW Pulaski, VA 24301 540-994-8602 February 28, 2025 To: Mayor Shannon Collins, Town of Pulaski Town Council Members From: Olivia Hale, Clerk of Council RE: February Department Head Monthly Summary Clerk of Council • 01/27 ARB meeting minutes • 02/04 EDA packets/ meeting/ minutes • 02/04 Town Council packets/ meeting/ minutes • Chamber of Commerce RSVP and correspondence • FOIA Requests- 3 • 02/10 Pulaski Redevelopment and Housing Authority packets/ meeting/ minutes • Website/ social media updates • 02/13 Cemetery Board packets/meeting/ minutes • 02/18 Town Council packets/ meeting/ minutes • Website committee meetings • Broussard’s General Store ribbon cutting • 03/04 EDA and Town Council packets • Certified Municipal Clerks (CMC) trainings/ courses- 2 webinar trainings for February • Scheduling ARB meeting for March • Purchase Orders/Reimbursement Orders • Resolutions/Ordinances • Cemetery Deeds- 2 Police Department 1. 1,559 Incident numbers were generated 2. 692 Business Checks were conducted 3. 7 Trespass Calls 4. 11 Trespass notifications were issued 5. 2 Trespass arrest 6. 4 Property Damage The men and women have been working hard as they always do. We are working to get them some time off since we are only one officer down due to medical reasons. We are hoping that he will be released within the next few months. Detective Terry was asked to be a guest speaker at Radford University for the Introduction to Forensic Science class. The class enjoyed listening to her stories on working crime scenes all while trying to recruit interns and students to apply at our agency. The Command Staff has been encouraged to join professional organizations and try to be elected to their boards. This will help get the Pulaski Police Department's name out even more and make it an even more premier department in the nation. Each one has also been encouraged to work toward obtaining the Certified Law Enforcement Command Executive. This will also help the department become a premier department. Fire Department • Ran 107 calls o 2 Structure Fires o 1 Vehicle Fire o 17 EMS calls o 1 Brush Fires o 1 Motor Vehicle Crashes o 3 Illegal Burns o 21 Public Service calls o 14 False alarms o 4 Swift Water o 31 Power Lines Down • Training o 4 Volunteers completed Firefighter 2 class o 1 Career Staff started EMT- Basic • Passed yearly State EMS inspection • Toured VDEM for storm damage assessment • Promoted 2 Volunteer Firefighters to Sergeant’s • Stand by a New Hope Church “Night to Shine” event. Property Maintenance/ Code Enforcement/ Zoning • 20 new property maintenance cases • 23 complaints received/investigated • 25 follow up inspections for compliance • 15 inoperable vehicle violations • 1 vehicle towed • 10 trash/debris violations • 3 properties trash abated • 6 liens released • 15 liens placed • 1 VBCOA virtual mtg • 2 properties posted unsafe • 1 G.D. Court case concluded- Huffman Auto inop vehicles • 2 zoning violations for camper/tent/outbuilding dwelling • 5 zoning inquiries • 1 zoning certification letter • 1 determination letter-zoning Outdoor Facilities Coordinator • Submitted first check-in progress report to Virginia Outdoors Foundation for Draper Mountain Trails preservation grant • Met with the New River Conservancy (NRC) and VA Department of Environmental Quality representatives to revive efforts to implement the Peak Creek restoration and water quality improvement plans through seeking 319 grant funds • Represented the Town at monthly board meetings for Pulaski On Main and Friends of Peak Creek non-profits • Adapted Emergency Preparedness & Safety Plan for Marketplace farmer’s market • Met with NRC representative to plan volunteer events in town parks for VT cadet groups and spring Americorps group • Assessed flood damage to Bike Park and Heritage Park from recent storm • Coordinated ordering and volunteer installation of playground mulch to repair flood damages at Heritage Park playgrounds • Processed first Heritage Park shelter reservation of the year • Provided feedback and revisions on proposed extension of Gatewood Campground operating contract with Mountain 2 Island Filter Plant We have collected monthly samples. Daily monitoring report for DEQ was submitted. The monthly operating report was submitted to VDH. We have been running around the clock following the rains associated with the hurricane and the 3” the following week. Due to all the muddy water we are using much more chemicals during this time. Approximately double the norm. Repaired the benchtop turbidimeter. Kim’s crew looking at our Raw Water intake to see if silt has banked up around our screens and if we need to dig it out. Been coordinating with an EPA subcontractor to get PFAs samples in March. These will be a quarterly sample going forward to monitor the “forever chemicals” in the water. Fortunately, Gate Wood is one of the most pristine sources of water in the state and our base line study showed minimal amounts. One of our trainees left without giving a notice. Using part-time help to help cover the loss. During the rain events Pulaski County helped supply the Town water. Wes and Austin worked to adjust the raw water screen blow downs to help get water to the plant. Repaired multiple chlorine leaks and fixed the polymer feed system. Finance Department • Attended meetings for Cemetery board, Calfee School project, and website updates • Received budget worksheets from departments and preparing data to work with Town Manager • Received contribution requests from area organizations for FY26 • Reviewing Town property and vehicles for VACorp insurance renewal • Completed yearly audit for the Claytor Lake Task Force accounts • Staff is working on collections with debt setoff and DMV stops for Personal Property and Real Estate • Working with collection attorney (Sands Anderson) on upcoming tax sale – hoping for late Spring • Reviewing/Approving business license renewals • Met with Town manager to discuss procurement and purchasing agent responsibilities • Working with the Utility Billing Clerk and Public Works to complete the manual reads and replace no read meters • Processed utility bills – 4,252 • Customers participating with E-bills – 469 • Customers participating with ACH - 696 • Non-payment cutoffs for the month - 95 • Revenue collections for month of February: General Fund - $581,111.25 Water Fund - $207,338.11 Sewer Fund - $342,786.27 Garbage Fund - $ 67,595.38 Total - $1,198,831.01 Economic Development Engagement with Businesses and Property Owners: Conduct regular visits to businesses to enhance retention efforts. (in person visits, phone calls and emails) Maintain communication with Main Street businesses to assess their needs and ensure minimal disruption during construction. Coordinating meetings with engineering and businesses to discuss how entry ways will be addressed during the streetscape project. Collaborated with building inspections, code enforcement, and finance to develop a business start up checklist of commonly missed steps for applicants visiting the Finance Department to apply for a business license. Meetings with economic development partners: Met with Pulaski County STEA Director, Tim Miller, and facilitated connections with Town employees and partners. Reported ToP projects and updates to Pulaski Encouraging Progress (PEP). Participate in Home Consortium Meeting. Attended the monthly Local Economic Developers Organization (LEDO) meeting. Attended Onward, Chamber of Commerce, and Pulaski on Main events and meetings. Maintain strong connections with regional and county peers in Economic Development, tourism, and community development. Maintain vacant and available properties: Continue to connect with commercial property owners to learn about their intentions and properties. Contact 540-994-8619 for a complete list of available Town of Pulaski properties in the Town of Pulaski. Business Growth: NRV Shipping has opened in Food Lion shopping Center 2 new restaurants scheduled to open on Main Street in April Ongoing Projects: Coordinating with Town Departments to update the TOP website, including push notifications. Working on updating Town business incentives to attract new businesses. Continuing Economic Development Training. Pursuing grant opportunities as they pertain to economic development. Participate in organizations that relate to the ToP: NRV Home Consortium Board, NRV LEDO meetings with Onward NRV, Pulaski on Main Board, Pulaski Proud, Instill Mindfulness Leadership Team, Friends of Peak Creek Board, NTV RES Committee, Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce Board Quarterly Town Newsletter went out in February’s utility bills. Business newsletter is delivered digitally, monthly. March 2025 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 EDA Meeting Bimmerworld 10am Town Council Meeting Council Chambers 7pm ARB Meeting Council Chambers 2pm 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Planning Commission Meeting Council Chambers 6pm Town Council Budget Work Session Council Chambers 6pm 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 St. Patrick’s Day Water Cut Off Day Employee Service Awards Council Chambers 5pm Town Council Meeting Council Chambers 7pm 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 _________________________________GFL Bulk Pickup Week _______________________________ March Pulaski Senior Center 540-994-8627 2025 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Must Sign up for all events you plan on attending. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Sign up Day 8:30a.m.- 5:00a.m. Friendship Café’ 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m. Bingo at the Center 11:00a.m./ Free Movie at 1:00p.m./ Free Friendship Café’ 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m. Lunch Bunch: Sal’s in Radford 10:45a.m./ $3.00 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Donut Day and Movie 11:00a.m./ Free Friendship Café’ 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m. Ruritan Bingo and Lunch 11:00a.m./ Free MUST SIGN UP Friendship Café’ 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m. Breakfast at the Center 9:00a.m./ $3.00 Movie at 12PM 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 St. Patrick’s Day Crafts and River Turtles will bring pizza. 11AM FREE MUST SIGN UP Friendship Café’ 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m. Bingo at the Center 11:00a.m./ Free Movie at 12:30p.m./ FREE Friendship Café’ 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m. Rose’s in Galax and Long John Silver’s 9:30a.m./$5.00 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Goodwill Shopping and Lunch in Christiansburg 10:00a.m./ $5.00 Friendship Café’ 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m. Ruritan Bingo and Lunch 11:00a.m./ Free MUST SIGN UP Friendship Café’ 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m. Mystery Lunch Bunch 10:00a.m./$5.00 30 31 Regal Movie Theater: Snow White/ Free Ride Matinee Bereavement Group March 19th 3PM-4PM