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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-01-25 Town Council PacketAgenda Town Council Meeting Tuesday, April 1, 2025 6:00 p.m. Closed Session Council Chambers 1. Meeting Called to Order (Mayor Collins) 2. Roll Call (Clerk of Council) 3. Modification to Closed Session (Mayor Colling) 4. Enter into Closed Session for the following items: a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (1 item)- Personnel Matters i. Appointments to Boards 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 (Mayor Collins) 2. Pledge of Allegiance (Councilman Erickson) 3. Invocation (Councilman Clark) 4. Guests and Visitors (Mayor Collins) 5. Modification to Public Session (Mayor Collins) 6. Presentations a. 2025 Claytor Lake Sponsorship- Robbie Morris b. Friends of Peak Creek Update- Cathy Hanks 7. Certificates of Appreciation (Joel Burchett/ Mayor Collins) 8. Discussion(s) a. SB1476/ HB2745 Vacant and Blighted or Derelict Property Bill 9. 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.) 10. Consent Agenda (Voting) a. Consideration March 12, 2025 Town Council Budget Work Session Minutes b. Consideration March 18, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes 11. Council Comments & Board Updates 12. Manager’s Report (Manager Day) Reasonable accommodation will be provided for persons with disabilities, if requested. 13. Reminder of Future Council Meeting (Mayor Collins) a. April 15, 2025, Closed Session 6:00 p.m., Open Session 7:00 p.m. Presentation(s) Information Consent Agenda Town Council Meeting Budget Work Session March 12, 2025 1. The Vice-Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. and asked for a roll call. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Mayor Collins- Absent Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 2. No modifications were made to the agenda. 3. Mayor Collins joined the meeting at 7:03 p.m. 4. The Town Council Budget Work Session discussed the town's budget process, emphasizing the need for transparency and modernization. Manager Day highlighted the antiquated water rate structure, which will be updated to a volumetric rate to reflect usage better and meet funding agency requirements. The new structure aims to maintain revenue while improving fairness. The council also discussed the importance of civic involvement, better communication, and the challenges of balancing the budget amidst inflation and reduced ARPA funds. Specific budget items included new dump trucks, fire trucks, and the potential for a canine facility. The Town Council discussed the proposed water rate structure changes, highlighting a shift from a fixed rate to a volumetric rate. The new structure will see a 4.3% increase for average high-volume commercial users and a 9.9% increase for high-volume industrial users. Residential users will experience minimal changes, with a $22 base rate plus $9 per 1,000 gallons. The council also addressed the need for a $300,000 budget increase for water main repairs, noting that the current $75,000 allocation is insufficient. The sewer rate increase, unrelated to water rates, was also mentioned due to inflation. The council plans to present a detailed proposal in a few weeks. 5. With no further discussion, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m. Town Council Meeting Minutes March 18, 2025 5:00 Employee Service Awards 1. The Town Council recognized the following employees for their years of service to the Town of Pulaski. Amy Hopkins, five years with the Pulaski Senior Center Sgt. Matthew Rudisill, five years with the Pulaski Police Department Nathan Smythers, five years with the Town of Pulaski Calvin Wall, five years with the Public Works Department Cpt. Kristopher Shelor-Bourne, fifteen years with the Pulaski Fire Department Cpt. John Saul, twenty years with the Pulaski Police Department Jerry Crowder, thirty years with the Public Works Department Dana Bishop, forty years with the Finance Department Executive Session 2. The Mayor called the meeting to order at 5:41 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 3. Modification to Closed Session- No modifications were made. 4. The Mayor asked for a motion to enter into a 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 The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Councilman Clontz. 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 a Closed Session: Councilman Clark, Councilwoman Cope, Vice-Mayor Dawson, Councilman Clontz, Councilman Erickson, Councilman Burchett, Town Manager, Todd Day, Town Attorney, Scot Farthing, and Clerk of Council Ms. Hale. Ms. Hale exited the closed session before the town manager’s personnel discussion. 7:00 p.m. Open Session 5. 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) i. Appointments to Boards ii. Town Manager The motion was made by Vice-Mayor Dawson 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 6. Councilman Clontz lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 7. Councilman Clark gave the invocation. 8. Mayor Collins welcomed all in attendance and viewing online. 9. Modification to Public Session: The mayor asked for a motion to add four resolutions for the public safety telecommunicators and first responders to the agenda. The motion was made by Vice-Mayor Dawson and seconded by Councilman Clark to add the four resolutions before the discussion topic. 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 10. Manager Day introduced Chris Akers, Executive Director for the Pulaski County Joint 9- 1-1 Communications. Mr. Akers reported that the Communications Center commends the heroic efforts of its public safety telecommunicators and first responders after successfully guiding life-saving CPR instructions that recently led to the resuscitation of an infant. Mr. Akers gave a summary of the 9-1-1 call, and each of the dispatchers coordinated emergency response efforts. Resolution 2025-10 Recognizing PST Timothy Williams for his Lifesaving Efforts and Actions. Councilman Clark read the resolution. The motion was made by Vice-Mayor Dawson and seconded by Councilman Clark to adopt the resolution as written. 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 Mayor Collins presented the resolution to Mr. Williams. Resolution 2025-11 Recognizing PST Ashley Newby for her Lifesaving Efforts and Actions. Vice-Mayor Dawson read the resolution. The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Vice-Mayor Dawson to adopt the resolution as written. 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 Mayor presented the resolution to Ms. Newby. Resolution 2025-12 Recognizing PST Haley Turner for her Lifesaving Efforts and Actions Councilman Clontz read the resolution. The motion was made by Councilman Burchett and seconded by Councilman Clark to adopt the resolution as written. 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 Resolution 2025-13 Recognizing PST Pepper Wilson for her Lifesaving Efforts and Actions Councilman Burchett read the resolution. The motion was made by Councilman Erickson and seconded by Vice-Mayor Dawson to adopt the resolution as written. 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 11. Discussions a. NRV Passenger Rail Authority Architectural/ Engineering Vision Session (Mayor Collins) Mayor Collins reported the NRV Passenger Rail Authority will have a ground-breaking ceremony at the Cambria station in Christiansburg on April 24th. b. Train Station Rental Changes (Nate Repass) Mr. Repass reported potential changes to the rental procedure and price changes to the train station. He ran through renting the station by calling the Town Manager’s office, completing an application, being penciled into on a paper calendar, and paying in person in the Finance Department. We would like to simplify that procedure and eventually make it digital. He ran through the current rental hours and pricing and the current employee benefit of employees being able to rent the station at half the cost. Mr. Repass reported the budget for the train station, stating the rental income for 2023-2024 was $7,400 but the cost to run it was $17,258.16 with a total operated loss of $9,858. He stated most rentals are renting the morning or afternoon hours and the changes would be for a set time, from 9 am-9 pm, and a set cost of $150 with an additional $50 for an early arrival or late departure. Vice-Mayor Dawson suggested having an additional policy regarding an additional cleaning fee if needed and also wordage to include the renter being held liable for any damages. Councilman Burchett stated his concerns with the pricing that he doesn’t believe a town employee should be able to rent the station at half the price and he would like to see town employees and citizens pay the same amount. Vice-Mayor Dawson stated the employee discount could be considered an employee benefit. Manager Day suggested removing the policy regarding the employee discount until a later time when it could be discussed and asked Mr. Repass when he wanted to implement the changes. Mr. Repass suggested July 1, 2025. The motion was made by Vice-Mayor Dawson and seconded by Councilman Clark to approve the updated application and permit for rental of the train station with updated rates presented by Nate Repass with the two mentioned changes to additional language towards the liability of the renters and changes to the current structure of employees being able to rent the train station at half the cost with the attorney’s approval. 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- Nay 12. Public Comment Period- No speakers were present. 13. Consent Agenda a. Consideration of March 4, 2025 Town Council Minutes The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Councilman Clontz to adopt the minutes as written. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Mayor Collins- Abstained Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 14. Council Comments Councilman Erickson asked Manager Day why there are covered fire hydrants throughout town. Manager Day stated we have recently identified some imperfections like valves that were broken or hung, and Health Department regulations make the Fire Department bag them until they are repaired. He reported parts are being ordered but they have been bagged to identify to the Fire Department that they are not functioning. Mayor Collins thanked the construction workers who are working on Main Street and stated he could not wait to see the finished product. 15. Manager’s Report Manager Day had no new items to discuss. 16. Reminder of Future Council Meetings a. April 1, 2025, Closed Session 6:00 p.m., Open Session 7:00 p.m. 17. With no further business, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 7:41 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 March 28, 2025 To: Mayor Shannon Collins, Town of Pulaski Town Council Members From: Olivia Hale, Clerk of Council RE: March Department Head Monthly Summary Clerk of Council- Olivia Hale • 03/04 EDA Meeting at Bimmerworld and meeting minutes • 03/04 Town Council packets/meeting/minutes • 03/05 Staff meeting • 03/06 ARB meeting and minutes • 03/10 Planning Commission packets/ meeting/minutes • 03/12 Town Council budget work session meeting and minutes • 03/18 Town Council packets/ meeting/ minutes • 03/27 Town Council budget work session meeting and minutes • Social media and website updates • IIMC Certification Training Webinars (3) • FOIA Requests (1) • Various Patriot ads • Misc. research for staff • 04/01 Town Council packets Fire Department- Chief Jeff Conner • Ran 80 calls o 3 Structure Fires o 7 Other Type Fires (Brush, Cooking, Trash) o 32 EMS calls o 9 Motor Vehicle Crashes o 1 Gas leak o 8 Public Service calls o 16 False alarms o 3 Power Lines Down o 1 Special Rescue • Training o 1 Career Staff completed Fire Officer 3 o 1 Career Staff continued EMT- Basic o 3 Volunteers completed Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) o Monthly training (whole department) on pumping • Red Cross some detector install event. Filter Plant- David Peyton We collected PFAs special samples for EPA. We collected quarterly and annual samples for VDH along with our monthly samples. Daily monitoring report for DEQ was submitted. The monthly operating report was submitted to VDH. We replaced the automatic valve on Super Pulsator number 2 with a repaired valve. With warmer weather we have been able to produce water more quickly to help reduce the OT. Still having to run longer hours. We have been able to reduce the chemical usage as the warm weather helps us. Repaired multiple chlorine leaks. Alkalinity Has been usually low so adding additional soda ash light to boost alkalinity. Repaired our finished turbidimeter. Replaced blow down screening for the Pulsators. Replaced polymer pump tubing. Replaced polymer injectors. Police Department- Chief Sam Shumate The police department has is that our newer officers are in the final weeks of the FTO and will be released within the next week or two. They both are doing an outstanding job and we are lucky to have them serving the community. Economic Development- Shannon Ainsley Engagement with Businesses and Property Owners: • Notifying businesses of upcoming statewide foam ban. • 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 • Ribbon Cutting celebrations upcoming in the ToP: o NRV Shipping – April 9, 2025, 12:00 pm, Food Lion Shopping Center o Bimmerworld – June 12, 2025, 12:00 pm, Memorial Square Meetings with economic development partners: • Gave tour to of Town to Amy Guzulaitis with Virginia Main Street. • Coordinate with Pulaski on Main and Virginia Main Street to maintain the Mobilizing Main Street efforts. • Represented ToP at: Onward quarterly investor, PC Chamber of Commerce events, Pulaski Proud, PC Industrial Council, 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. • Working with ToP Chief of Police to hopefully find a suitable location in the town for the police academy. Business Growth: • New sign posted in window of former Max on Main/Mochi’s space • 2 new business license applied for: o Purple Cactus Taqueria (opening in April on Main Street) o Family Treasures Thrift (open now at the corner of Jefferson and Main) Ongoing Projects: • Started “Where Your Path Begins” campaign to promote ToP assets, businesses, and encourage pride and appreciation for what our town offers. • Coordinating with Town Departments to update the TOP website, including push notifications. • Working on updating Town business incentives to attract new businesses. • Pursuing grant opportunities as they pertain to economic development. • Participate or serve on the board of organizations that relate to the ToP: NRV Home Consortium Board, NRV LEDO, Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, Pulaski on Main Board, Pulaski Proud, Instill Mindfulness Leadership Team, Friends of Peak Creek Board, NTV RES Committee • Business newsletter is delivered digitally, monthly. Property Maintenance/ Code Enforcement/ Zoning- Carla Hodge • 30 new property maintenance cases • 25 complaints received/investigated • 30 follow up inspections for compliance • 10 inoperable vehicle violations • 1 vehicle towed • 10 trash/debris violations • 3 properties trash abated • 2 vacant structures un boarded/owner listing for sale • 8 liens released • 1 lien placed • 1 VAZO virtual meeting • 1 signage application for ARB • 2 zoning determination letters • 3 zoning violations for camper/tent/outbuilding dwelling • 1 court summons obtained for camper dwelling • 5 zoning inquiries on properties of interest Finance Department- Jackie Morris • Reviewed budget worksheets from departments with the Town manager • Reviewed contribution requests for the upcoming budget and discussed processes with the Town manager • 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 • Accepted role as purchasing agent for the Town and discussed processes with the Town manager and HR • Working with the Utility Billing Clerk and Public Works to complete the manual reads and replace no read meters • Reviewing delinquent real estate accounts and compiling a list to be published in the newspaper • Working with staff to review files and digitalize items • Reviewing meals tax and current establishments in Town • Working with Economic Development on incentives for new businesses • Processed utility bills – 4257 • Customers participating with E-bills – 475 • Customers participating with ACH - 692 • Non-payment cutoffs for the month - 118 Public Works- Kim Caudill Street Department • Continued to remove several downed trees following severe weather • Made repairs to the Commerce St. bridge: welded beams for further stabilization • Removed salters and plows from trucks • Patched potholes with cold patch town wide as requested • Patched water break repair areas • Operate brush site each Saturday (part time attendant M-F 1:00 – 5:00) • Cleaned catch basins town wide as needed. • Packed dumpsters at the convenience center 3-4 times weekly • Empty town trash cans and pick up trash/debris from roadside at least once weekly General Properties Department • Continued to remove Christmas decorations and tree lights in Jackson Park • Cleaned up back of shop in preparation for parking/storage construction • Poured concrete curbing/guttering on Short St./Locus St. Vehicle Maintenance Department • Performed oil changes on 8 units • Performed 3 state inspections • Performed 8 daily checks on patrol units • Serviced/repaired multiple NRVSS/PAT buses • Serviced snow removal equipment • Serviced mowing equipment Water/Sewer Department • Continued to check pump stations daily. Perform housekeeping in both 4A and 4B • Working on pumps and motors at 4B • Changed elevations on transducer at 4B and monitored levels • R/R pump from jockey pump station on Martin Ave. • Repaired 10 water main breaks throughout the month • Ran all problematic sewers once weekly. Responded to 7 separate sewers back up calls • Sprayed and cleaned Food Lion lot twice and worked with Fire Dept to further clean up area from major water line break • Responded to 118 Miss Utility Locates • Nonpayment disconnects • Assisted in manual reading of zero reads for meters • Continued to replace nonfunctioning meters Outdoor Facilities Coordinator- Nate Repass • Attended Unmanned Aerial Systems course and successfully passed testing required to earn FAA Drone Pilot certification • Delivered eggs and candy to Senior Center for them to fill before Easter Egg Hunt • Worked multiple days with AmeriCorps team on Town projects including cleaning at the Train Depot, litter pickup at Gatewood, litter pickup and bike park feature retrieval from flooding damage, and litter pickup partner project with Pulaski County along tributaries to Peak Creek on Robinson Tract Road • Coordinated volunteer work on Draper Mountain Trails with 3 volunteers clearing 23 downed trees that were blocking trails • Hiked in to inspect and clear other Draper Mountain Trails • Oversaw beginning of on-site surveying work on Draper Mountain property for VOF grant • Represented the Town at monthly board meetings for Friends of Peak Creek non-profit • Processed 3 Heritage Park shelter reservations • Coordinated extension of Gatewood Campground operating contract with Mountain 2 Island • Worked with multiple organizations on their Special Event Permit applications, including signature events such as the spring Music and Merchants festival, summer Marketplace, and fall Rhythm by the Rails concert April 2025 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 EDA Meeting- Cancelled Council Chambers 10am Town Council Meeting Council Chambers 7pm 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 ARB Meeting Council Chambers 4pm TRIAD Meeting Ruritan Road Ruritan Club 11am Easter Egg Hunt Jackson Park 11am-1pm (Sponsored by Ruritan Road Ruritan Club & Town of Pulaski) 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Planning Commission Meeting- Cancelled Council Chambers 6pm Town Council Meeting Council Chambers 7pm Water Cut Off Day Cemetery Board Meeting Council Chambers 6pm 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Easter The Marketplace: Spring Edition Train Station 4-7pm Family Fun Day Jackson Park 3:30-6:30pm (sponsored by DSS) 27 28 29 30 Battle of the Badges Blood Drive Train Station 11am-5pm _______________________ GFL Bulk Pickup Week__________________________ April Pulaski Senior Center 540-994-8627 2025 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 Sign-up day 8:30a.m.- 5PM Breakfast at Cracker Barrel in Christainsburg 9:00a.m./ $4.00 Friendship Café’ 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m. Open Crafts 11:00a.m./ Free Movie at 1:30a.m. 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Hamrick’s & 611 Steakhouse 9:00a.m./ $5.00 Friendship Café’ 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m. Ruritan Bingo and Lunch 11:00a.m./ Free Friendship Café’ 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m. Wythe Hospice &Highland Ridge Craft 11:00a.m./ Free Movie at 1:00p.m. Easter Egg Hunt Jackson Park 11:00a.m.- 1:00p.m. 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Ten Commandments Movie and Lunch 10:30a.m./ $2.00 Friendship Café’ 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m. Bingo at the Center 11AM/ Free Movie at 12:30p.m. Friendship Café’ 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m. Good Friday Breakfast at the Center 9:00a.m./ $2.00 Movie at 1:00p.m. 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Easter Sunday Lunch Bunch Captain D’s 10:45a.m./ $4.00 Friendship Café’ 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m. Puzzle Competition 10:30a.m./ Free Movie at 1PM/ Free Friendship Café’ 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m. Library Craft 11:00a.m./ Free Movie at 1:00p.m. 27 28 29 30 Open Day: Come enjoy the Center. Friendship Café’ 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m. Bingo at the Center 11a.m./ Free Movie at 12:30p.m. PLEASE SIGNUP FOR ALL EVENTS YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING April 16th Bereavement Group 3PM-4PM