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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-04-251 1 Town Council Meeting Minutes February 4, 2025 1. Mayor Collins called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and asked for a roll call. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Steven W. Erickson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye Mayor Collins- Aye 2. Modification to Closed Session- No modifications were made. 3. Mayor Collins asked for a motion to enter into Closed Session to discuss 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) 8 (1 item)- Consultation with Legal Counsel i. Vegg Inc. The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Vice -Mayor Dawson. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Steven W. Erickson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye Mayor Collins- Aye The following council members and staff entered into Closed Session: Councilman Clark, Councilwoman Cope, Vice -Mayor Dawson, Councilman Erickson, Councilman Burchett, Town Manager, Todd Day, Town Attorney, Scot Farthing, and Clerk of Council, Ms. Hale. 7:20 p.m. Open Session 4. 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 (2 items)- Personnel Matters i. Appointments to Boards ii. Town Manager b. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 8 (1 item)- Consultation with Legal Counsel i. Vegg Inc. 7 The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Councilwoman Cope. Page 1 of 1 1 / February 4, 2025 1 1 Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Steven W. Erickson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye Mayor Collins- Aye 5. Councilman Erickson lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 6. Councilman Clark gave the invocation. 7. Mayor Collins welcomed all in attendance and viewing online. 8. Modification to Public Session- Ms. Hale asked the following items be added to the agenda after Resolution 2025-06 a. Resolution 2027-07 b. An appointment to the NRV Regional Commission c. Appointments to the Virginia's First Regional Industrial Authority The motion was made by Vice -Mayor Dawson and seconded by Councilman Clark to add Resolution 2025-07 to the agenda. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Steven W. Erickson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye Mayor Collins- Aye The motion was made by Vice -Mayor Dawson and seconded by Councilwoman Cope to add Vice -Mayor Dawson's appointment to the NRV Regional Commission to the agenda. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Steven W. Erickson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye Mayor Collins- Aye The motion was made by Vice -Mayor Dawson and seconded by Councilman Clark to add Councilwoman Cope and Councilman Erickson's appointments to the Virginia's First Regional Industrial Authority to the agenda. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Steven W. Erickson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye Mayor Collins- Aye 9. Public Hearing a. Vegg Inc. Grant Funding- Fred Jeter, COO and Alexander Yurista, Director of Research and Development The Mayor read the Public Hearing ad that was advertised in the Patriot on January 241h and January 31 sc Page 2 of 11/ February 4, 2025 Mr. Jeter reported Jefferson School Properties purchased Jefferson Elementary School and Vegg Inc will be installing a vertical farm in the school, with the auditorium being the main growing area, the flank of classrooms being individual small farmers' tenants and two classrooms being the workforce development program that they are developing with Virginia Western Community College and Virginia Tech and they have successfully grown lettuce in the two labs through the Department of Energy grant in April 2024 with carbon dioxide captured devices. He stated the whole concept of Vegg is working to develop software devices to monitor and track inputs of vertical farming, so that it's good for the environment, and reduces water and electric usage. Mr. Jeter gave a brief summary of each of the Vegg Inc staff, their roles in the company and the board members. He reported they are in the fundraising portion of their business, currently with the goal of $600,000 in private investors, and an assortment of grants, that are worth $3.2 million which they will be applying for within the next year or so. In addition to climate smart focus, Mr. Jeter stated Vegg will not only be the main grower of the produce but also the distributer. They are developing a channel distribution network to sell their product to grocery stores chains, co-ops, schools, and food banks. Mr. Yurista reported that Vegg will be developing software that can control the environment to optimize the growing environment which will save money on electricity, make more produce, sell it at a lower cost, and help communities. Councilman Burchett asked if they would consider their project in the R&D phase or the pre -production phase. Mr. Jeter stated he believed they are in both phases as they have successfully grown lettuce in the two labs through the Department of Energy grant in April 2024 with captured carbon dioxide. Councilman Burchett asked when do they think the production or pre -production will start. Mr. Jeter stated the large-scale production in the auditorium, the vast majority of the building will be late 2026. Currently, in Q 1 they are raising money for `phase one' which will consist of two classrooms, two labs, which they can start growing and selling produce and start obtaining data on sales. The projected cost of phase one is $250,000 and they are currently fundraising to get the contractor to start the project, which will be sixty days' worth of construction. In Q2, they will constructing two labs, which will lead into growing produce throughout the Q3 and Q4. Page 3 of 11/ February 4, 2025 He reported they would be applying for the planning grant in May 2025, which is primarily comprised of professional fees, architectural fees, Department of Historic Resource fees, and National Park fees. Mr. Jeter stated Vegg chose Pulaski for the purchase of the school and the major markets with I81 and I77. Vegg will be turning multiple properties, multiple schools, community -like in various towns into productive facilities that will be the shining star in the town and employing ten to fifteen people. Vice -Mayor Dawson asked if there was anything Vegg needed besides patience and funds. Mr. Jeter stated those are the two main ones, but if the town could be an advocate for the project, it would be helpful. Manager Day stated he's glad the project is here and they have a lot of support from all levels of the local government. Mr. Jeter stated anyone who would like a tour of the facility, he would be happy to schedule one. The Mayor opened the Public Hearing. Terri Sternberg stated she is excited to know that Jefferson School will finally have a new purpose and wanted to say good job to the developers. She mentioned that Lee Spiegal, who's been operating Beans and Rice Inc. was doing vertical growing as a social enterprise of Pulaski Grow with an aquaponics farm in Draper, using fish to fertilize the plants in grow towers, as well as having float beds for other produce. The Mayor closed the Public Hearing and stated the Council will table any voting until the following meeting. 10. Presentations a. Fire Department Update- Chief J. Conner Chief Conner reported in 2024 the Fire Department ran 701 calls, which is about 500 more than any other Fire Department in the county. Within those calls, 57 were fires, 18 being structure fires, and 51 alarms, which consists of setting off volunteers for additional help. He reported the addition of 10 new volunteers, five becoming certified firefighters and each member of the department has completed 31 hours of in-house training to include gas monitoring, extrication, EMS, and a live burn, which is required annually by NFPA. He reported several firefighters have gotten their EMT and others have gotten their officer or instructor training, and the department has a new engine coming, Page 4 of 1 1 / February 4, 2025 the final inspection will be in June and it will be in Roanoke for a month or two to get modifications such as, radios, lights, and chargers installed. He reported during the summer there was an Emergency Repair grant awarded from the state to fix a collapsing wall on the burn building, and along with upgrades to the burn building, the Fire Station upgraded its floors, which are guaranteed for 10 years. Chief Conner reported on the multiple events the Fire Department participated in through the year, Community Day, Fire Prevention, with lunch and dinner and the parade that evening, and the department smoker, which is mainly for the members of the department and the retirees. He mentioned he wanted to make sure the council is aware of how significant the department is to the community and the people that work and volunteer there. Councilman Burchett stated he was very impressed with the high level of housekeeping within the Fire Station when he toured the facility. Councilman Erickson asked if there was anything that the Fire Department needs from the Council. Chief Conner stated Manager Day and himself are working together to get their vehicles in a good rotation. Councilman Clark asked what the next training session will be. Chief Conner stated they will have department training within the next month but the next eight -hour training will be in April, which will be an extrication training. 11. Resolution 2025-02 Affirming Commitment to Fund the Locality Share of Projects Under Agreement with the Virginia Department of Transportation and Provide Signature Authority Manager Day reported any grants that the town applies for, any action we take has to conduct a public hearing or adopted by resolution. He stated for this specific resolution, VDOT pays the town for state -allocated streets, maintenance funds, etc. and in order to accept those funds we have to adopt a resolution. The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Vice -Mayor Dawson to adopt Resolution 2025-02 as written. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 12, Resolution 2025-03 Appropriating and Carry Forward Funds to Multiple Accounts Page 5 of 11 / February 4, 2025 Manager Day reported this is carrying forward funds, a good example being the Fire Department, they receive funds that are allocated to specific projects. The motion was made by Vice -Mayor Dawson and seconded by Councilwoman Cope to adopt Resolution 2025-03 as written. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 13. Resolution 2025-04 Appointing Joseph Goodman to the Calfee Community and Cultural Center Board of Directors The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Vice -Mayor Dawson to adopt Resolution 2025-04 as written. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 14. Resolution 2025-05 Reappointing Todd Day to the New River Valley Passenger Rail Authority The motion was made by Councilwoman Cope and seconded by Councilman Clark to adopt Resolution 2025-05 as written. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 15. Resolution 2025-06 Reappointing Members to the New River Valley Agency on Aging Board of Directors Vice -Mayor Dawson asked if we have verified with the nominees that they are interested in returning to the board. Ms. Hale stated they have been verified and they are interested in reappointment. The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Vice -Mayor Dawson to adopt Resolution 2025-06 as written. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye Page 6 of I 1 / February 4, 2025 16. Resolution 2025-07 Reappointing Lane Penn to the Pulaski Redevelopment and Housing Authority for the Town of Pulaski, Virginia The motion was made by Councilwoman Cope and seconded by Councilman Clark to adopt Resolution 2025-07 as written. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 17. The motion was made by Councilwoman Cope and seconded by Councilman Clark to appoint Brooks Dawson to the New River Valley Regional Commission. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Abstained Joel B. Burchett- Aye 18. The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Vice -Mayor Dawson to appoint Sunshine Cope and Steven Erickson to the Virginia's First Regional Industrial Authority. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Abstained Steven Erickson- Abstained Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 19. Discussions- No new discussions were held. 20. Public Comment Period a. Terri Sternberg of North Washington Ave stated there is a white, multi -story apartment house at the end of an alley that burned several years ago, and questioned how long facilities are allowed to sit and look bad and make the neighborhood not look so good. She stated we talk a lot about pride of our community and concerns about the influences that we have may have among our people to bring down some of the attractiveness of our community. Manager Day stated he would look into it, find out where it's at, and right now, the town has sixteen structures within the political jurisdiction that are on the condemnation list, and he will see if that specific house is on the list. Ms. Sternberg also reported her work with the City of Refuge and the Pulaski County Emergency Management on opening a shelter during the cold season in January. She stated she was proud of Councilmember Erickson and his wife as they volunteered to stay overnight at the shelter and supervise. She stated she wants to lift up the goodness in the community, that the shelter was open for nineteen nights and there weren't any problems staffing two people per night to Page 7 of 11 / February 4, 2025 stay with the guests or people providing meals. She reported there are a lot of pastors from the area that are committed to really enhancing their responsiveness to our cold weather sheltering. She also reported that the City of Fredericksburg approved the Jeremiah Community Small House Village zoning and they are now on a $17 million fundraising to build a small house community for permanent supportive housing for their people. b. Kevin Hill of Red Fox Lane asked if there was an update or a timeline on the 177 acres project. Manager Day stated it's probably another two months before the Council will take any official action on the property. Mr. Hill stated he thinks it's a good project and stated there is a steep curve at the end of Pepper's Ferry Road and asked if there were any improvements that could be made to that with the project and also asked for something pretty for the stormwater retention pond. 21. Consent Agenda a. Consideration of December 17, 2024 Town Council minutes The motion was made by Vice -Mayor Dawson and seconded by Councilman Clark to table the voting of the minutes to February 18th, as there were not enough voting members present. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye b. Consideration of January 7, 2025 Town Council minutes The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Vice -Mayor Dawson to adopt the January 7, 2025 Town Council Minutes. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Steven W. Erickson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 22. Council Comments & Board Updates Mayor Collins- Abstained Councilman Clark reported there is a pot -hole on Alum Spring Road, in front of Hayden Electric that needs to be filled. Vice -Mayor Dawson questioned why the board members from the Agency on Aging board were appointed from them opposed to the Council appointing members. Page 8 of 11 / February 4, 2025 Manager Day stated he would look into it. He also asked about what the town will be doing, looking forward, to mowing, property maintenance, and aesthetics. He stated he knows it's difficult with staffing levels, but with all our properties and the amount of land we have to mulch or clear, mow, or weed - eat, and he questioned how the town will go after it. Manager Day reported an ad will be published for summer help, and he has some ideas and outsourcing that is one of the plans. Vice -Mayor Dawson also asked to put together some planning sessions with the budget coming up and having new councilmembers. Manager Day stated he hoped he would have some data by the end of the week to schedule the first budget work session soon. Councilman Erickson stated staff did a good job clearing the trees on Pepper's Ferry Road and stated he had one person contact him about the trees going up Washington Ave through the flashing light, they are overgrown. He also encouraged everyone to volunteer at the shelter when available. He stated until this council figures out how best to help with that problem, they may be able to help reimburse the City of Refuge with the increased electricity and water from housing guests. He mentioned Councilwoman Cope and himself were discussing some of the vacant homes that the town owns, and if the town could look into using those homes for displaced families when emergencies happen. He reported there was a point -in -time count that was completed last week with the unhoused, he wasn't aware of those numbers but he knows there's a lot of them, and a lot that won't get accounted for and there's a meeting and a program that Manager Day is working on in March and he doesn't want to see any of the unhoused get left behind. Councilman Burchett stated he was glad to see Ms. Sternberg speak on the burnt home and there are people in town that have a greater degree of patience because they have looked at other dilapidated structures for 20 or 30 years. He stated if we want new businesses to locate here, we have to clean the town up. He stated we need to take some more decisive actions on some of the dilapidated structures that he suspects many of which are owned by people who don't live in town, out of town, or out of state but the problem is that, and the methadone clinic and that's two of the most predominant complaints he's received from the taxpayer, the constituents. He stated we need to develop an action plan with some teeth behind it and use whatever resources we have to get these places cleaned up. He questioned if the inmates could help with the cosmetics in town, as they use to, Vice -Mayor Dawson stated Mr. Radcliffe use to be the person to coordinate that effort previously. Page 9 of 11 / February 4, 2025 Councilman Erickson stated they've had some changes at the jail and DOC level with sentencing which causes delays in having trustees. Manager Day stated he's worked with that program in the past and it gets to a point where the tools the inmates are given are tools taken away from those full-time staff, but he will look into the program. Vice -Mayor Dawson commented on Councilman Burchett's comments asking if Carla could present from an educational standpoint, for both council and the public, of what is currently happening, how it happens, what the processes for the locality for these dilapidated homes. Manager Day stated he is in the process introducing a program to staff to follow VOCA and DHCD to condemn houses and that doesn't scratch the service of the new opportunities for new housing, new development, and new beginnings for Pulaski. He stated we'll get there little by little and implementing those programs and utilizing our EDA to help to community capitalize is what it's all about and grow. He stated he would get Carla and the Building Official to do a presentation as they work together in that process. Mayor Collins thanked VDOT for fixing the timing of the light at the Elementary School. He asked if the trees on Jefferson, between 6th and 7th street could be cut back, as there is a street light that is blocked from the limbs. He also thanked all town employees, especially the water department with the water breaks. He reported a ground breaking at the historic Claremont Elementary School which will be turning into 50 apartments and also reported work starting on Main Street and asked listeners to be patient with that project He added a report from the Passenger Rail Authority that there will be a groundbreaking on the trail station in Cambria. 23. Manager's Report Manager Day didn't have anything new to report. 24. Reminder of Future Council Meeting a. February 18, 2025 Closed Session 6:00 p.m., Open Session 7:0 p.m. 25. With no further business, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:39 p.m. Page 10 of 11/ February 4, 2025