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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-15-25 Town Council PacketAgenda Town Council Meeting Tuesday, April 15, 2025 7:00 p.m. Public Session Council Chambers 1. Meeting Called to Order (Mayor Collins) 2. Roll Call (Clerk of Council) 3. Pledge of Allegiance (Councilman Burchett) 4. Invocation (Councilman Clark) 5. Guests and Visitors (Mayor Collins) 6. Modification to Public Session (Mayor Collins) 7. Presentations a. YMCA Funding- Dave Adkins b. Economic Development Update- Shannon Ainsley 8. Discussion(s) a. Claytor Lake Sponsorship (Voting) b. SHAH Development Contract (Voting to move to Public Hearing on May 6th) c. Mowing Bids (Manager Day) (Voting) 9. Resolution 2025- 14 Appointing Candidates to the Town of Pulaski Planning Commission and the Town of Pulaski Economic Development Authority (voting) 10. 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.) 11. Consent Agenda (Voting) a. Consideration of March 27, 2025 Town Council Budget Work Session Minutes b. Consideration of April 1, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes 12. Council Comments & Board Updates 13. Manager’s Report (Manager Day) 14. Reminder of Future Council Meeting (Mayor Collins) a. May 6, 2025, Closed Session 6:00 p.m., Open Session 7:00 p.m. Presentation(s) Information Discussion(s) Information Turner Property Services $2,214.87/session x 17 sessions$37,652.79 - Quote includes gas - Provides own equipment: - 60"x48" zero turn mowers - (2) 48" walk-behind mowers - numerous string trimmers -No training necessary -Can work immediately -Leaves Town equipment available for staff -Turner has done work with the Town in the past: assists Code Enforcement on cleanup, cleaned and maintained the outside restrooms at the Splash Pad and Train Station summer 2024. Hiring Summer/Seasonal Help 40 hours/week x $15.50/hour $620/week + 7.5% FICA x $666.50/week 19 weeks $12,663.50/hire x 3 employees$37,990.50 - We have had the positions posted since February - No qulified applicants - May not get any in time to start mowing -Public Works is already short staffed If we do hire: - Cost to drug screen - Workers compensation cost - Worry about bee stings, falls, burns, accidents, etc. - Must be trained on the job, taking other staff away to supervise - Using Town equipment Turner Property Services - Quote includes gas - Provides own equipment: - 60"x48" zero turn mowers - (2) 48" walk-behind mowers - numerous string trimmers - No training - Can work immediately - Leaves Town equipment available for staff - Turner has done work with the Town in the past: assists Code Enforcement on cleanup, cleaned and maintained the outside restrooms at the Splash Pad and Train Station summer 2024. vs. Hiring Summer (seasonal) Help for Public Works: - We have had the positions posted since February - No qualified applicants - May not get any in time to start mowing - Public Works is already short staffed by 4 positions (laborers/equipment ops.) If we do hire: - Do they know how to run our equipment - Cost to drug screen - Workers compensation cost - Worry about bee stings, falls, burns, accidents, etc. - Must be trained on the job, taking other staff away to supervise - Using Town equipment - No budget comparison from last year, there was no specific budget allotment for mowing, etc., in the past. -Half of the cost on this budget year and half on next budget year because of the timing. - Every single council meeting through Spring/Summer last year the issue was brought up about keeping up with mowing - complaints from Council and citizens. $7,500/3 = $2,500 per session x 17 sessions $42,500 Total $6,855/3 = $2,214.87 per session x 17 sessions $37,652.79 Total $16,500/3 = $5,500 per session x 17 sessions $93,500 Total Voting Items RESOLUTION 2025-14 Resolution Appointing Candidates to the Town of Pulaski Planning Commission And the Town of Pulaski Economic Development Authority WHEREAS, the Town Council has determined that it is in the general interest of the residents to the Town of Pulaski to maintain full representation on the various agencies, authorities, and boards of which the town is a member; and, WHEREAS, the Town of Pulaski’s Planning Commission and Economic Development Authority has vacancies and residents desiring to serve; and, NOW, THEREFORE be it RESOLVED, by the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia sitting in regular session this 15th day of April 2025 that the following persons are appointed to the boards for the terms as indicated below. This resolution is effective upon adoption and is hereby adopted on this 15th day of April 2025 by the duly recorded vote of the Town Council of Pulaski, Virginia as follows: Jeremy L. Clark- G. Tyler Clontz- Sunshine N. Cope- Steven W. Erickson- Brooks R. Dawson- Joel B. Burchett- Mayor Collins- TOWN OF PULASKI, VIRGINIA ______________________________ W. Shannon Collins Mayor ATTEST ______________________________ Olivia C. Hale Clerk of Council Appointee Entity Start of Term Expiration of Term Brandon Turocotte Planning Commission 04/15/2025 12/06/2026 Conner Compton Planning Commission 04/07/2025 09/02/2025 Sabrina Cox Economic Development Authority 04/15/2025 04/15/2029 Marlin Reeves Economic Development Authority 04/15/2025 01/17/2026 Lisa Webb Economic Development Authority 4/15/2025 01/17/2026 Consent Agenda Town Council Budget Work Session March 27, 2025 1. The Vice-Mayor called the meeting or order at 6:01 p.m. and asked for a roll call. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Mayor Collins- Absent Sunshine N. Cope- Absent Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 2. Mayor Collins joined the meeting at 6:38 p.m. 3. The Town Council discussed the 2025-2026 budget, focusing on water and sewer projects. Key points include a $25 million water plant upgrade with possible principal forgiveness, and a $1.7 million backwash tank project. The water fund's revenue is projected to rise $601,000, with a $296,700 annual debt service payment for the water plant. The water fund's budget includes $150,000 for water line replacements. The council emphasized the need for transparency and long-term planning to address systemic issues and ensure sustainable funding. The Town Council discussed the proposed budget for water and sewer rates. Water rates will increase by an average of 26% for inside usage and outside rates will be 25% more than inside, which was discussed in the rate structure meeting. Sewer rates will rise by 6.35% across the board. The council highlighted the need for significant investments in pump stations, with a $180,000 cost per pump. The sewer system faces critical issues, including outdated equipment and maintenance challenges. The council emphasized the importance of balancing rate increases with the town's financial health and future development. Transparent communication and strategic planning were also stressed to mitigate community impact. 4. With no further business, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m. Town Council Meeting Minutes April 1, 2025 1. The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:00 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. Modification to Closed Session- No modifications were made. 3. The Mayor asked for a motion to enter into Closed Session to discuss 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 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, Town Manager, Todd Day, Town Attorney, and Clerk of Council Ms. Hale. Councilman Clontz exited Closed Session before the discussion regarding SHAH Development. 7:07 p.m. Open Session 4. Certification of Closed Session- The Mayor asked for a motion that only the following items were discussed in Closed Session: a. VA Code 2.2-3.711 (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 The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Vice-Mayor Dawson. 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 5. Councilman Erickson led 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- No modifications were made. 9. Presentations a. 2025 Claytor Lake Sponsorship- Robbie Morris Mr. Morris stated they are planning for the 26th annual Claytor Lake Festival at Claytor Lake State Park on June 14th and he is requesting a donation for the festival from the town. He reported that nearly 11,000 people came through the lake last year and this year’s budget is $42,000 with the committee being all volunteers, the funds that are raised go to man all the event expenses, emergency medical, entertainment, banners, trophies, advertising, sound equipment, restroom facilities, trash disposal, and parking attendants. b. Friends of Peak Creek Update- Cathy Hanks Ms. Hanks reported Friends of Peak Creek, along with other support groups, have collected 28 tons of trash and 725 tires in the last 12 years out of the 19 Peak Creek watershed. She also reported five water quality monitoring locations in Peak Creek and then some tributaries, and two pollinator gardens, sponsor the Peak Creek Restoration Plan, pay for the flood mitigation plan to help with downtown flooding, helped with the implementation plan that helps the town up to be eligible for 319 monies, and hold outreach programs. Along with the town and county’s support, Friends of Peak Creek works with nonprofits like the Calfee Community and Cultural Center, the Fine Arts Center, the Radcliffe Museum, and other like-minded organizations in the area. Ms. Hanks mentioned events throughout the next few months including clean-ups and Family Fun Day. 10. Certificates of Appreciation Nate Repass, Outdoor Facilities Coordinator, introduced the organization doing community cleanup. In the six days, the AmeriCorps River Team 5 group removed 82 bags, or 2.4 tons of litter and 48 tires from the Peak Creek Watershed, planted 35 trees in that Pulaski Bike Park, spread mulch at the Ratcliffe Transportation Museum, built bird houses for the Friends of Peak Creek bluebird trail, performed a deep clean of the train station, retrieved a Bike Park feature that washed away during the recent flooding and helped set up for multiple community events. The team will finish their month working on the Draper Mountain Trails, litter cleanup in the New River, and the Friends of Peak Creek annual cleanup on April 5th. Mr. Repass also thanked local non-profit organizations and individuals; Friends of Peak Creek, New River Conservancy, Pulaski County Emergency Management, Aldersgate Methodist Church, Terri Sternberg, Laura Walters, and Brad Wright. Councilman Burchett gave a brief history of Peak Creek, how far it stretches through the area, the way the creek was impacted by the industrial era of the town, and the recreational use and the joys of having the creek, stating it is the lifeblood of the town. He encouraged listeners to view the Friends of Peak Creek website and see how far the resources and efforts have come for cleanup in the watershed. He recognized, on behalf of the Council, the Watershed Restoration Solutions with their work in writing grant applications which assisted in planting trees in the Bike Park. Mayor Collins presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Watershed Restoration Solutions. Councilman Burchett, on behalf of the Council, recognized Cathy Hanks for her roles with Friends of Peak Creek and the New River Conservancy. Mayor Collins presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Cathy Hanks. Lastly, Councilman Burchett, on behalf of the Council, recognized the AmeriCorps River Team 5 for their work to clean and beautify the area over the last few weeks. Mayor Collins presented a Certificate of Appreciation to AmeriCorps River Team 5. 11. Discussion a. SB1476/HB2745 Vacant and Blighted or Derelict Property Bill Manager Day reported Senate Bill 1476 and House Bill 2745 recently passed. It was put into place because of a college that burnt in Southwest Virginia that was derelict and cosmetically unattractive in the community, but the bill allows every locality or jurisdiction in the Commonwealth to take advantage of it. The property has to be vacant for at least five years, has to be in a blighted condition, and delinquent on taxes and will help clean up the community. 12. Public Comment Period- No speakers were present. 13. Consent Agenda a. Consideration of March 12, 2025 Town Council Budget Work Session Minutes The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Councilwoman Cope to adopt the 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 b. Consideration of March 18, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes The motion was made by Vice-Mayor Dawson and seconded by Councilman Clark to adopt the minutes 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- Nay Councilman Burchett stated he would like to comment regarding the published minutes, that they did not accurately reflect all of his comments as to why he opposed the rental agreement for the town train station. His objective and reason for not supporting it, as it was written, was because he did not feel like it was ethical for him, as a voting member of the Town Council, to vote to give himself a benefit that other citizens couldn’t get. He has no problem with town employees getting it at a reduced rate but the people that have to approve that, he believes, should not be included in that, that includes the Mayor and the Council, that it just didn’t feel right. As that was not included in the minutes, he voted to not approve the March 18, 2025 minutes but if comments could be added, he would approve them. Vice-Mayor Dawson commented the minutes can only include what was verbally said at the meeting itself, so it can be updated to the recording of what was verbally said. Manager Day stated we would go back a review the meeting but Councilman Burchett’s vote to not approve the employee discounted rental rate could not be changed but he could inform the public, which he has already done with his comments. 14. Council Comments & Board Updates Councilman Clark reported the 9-1-1 Communications Center had an update to their technology today, all calls were routed to the City of Radford for about 45 minutes while our center updated all of their technology. Everything went well and a new CAD system is under review, which is great. Manager Day commented that they did a great job communicating that update. Councilwoman Cope reported Councilman Erickson and herself attended a special meeting for the Virginia’s First Regional Industrial Authority and while there was news that she could not report on as of right now, she stated exiting things are coming. Councilman Clark asked if we could find out if the Claytor Lake Festival would be running a shuttle from Wal-Mart into the park festival. Vice-Mayor Dawson asked about the work being done at the creek beside the train station. Manager Day reported they are clearing the road shoulder on Dora Highway. Vice-Mayor Dawson reminded listeners of the Easter Egg Hunt on April 12th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and that it’s always a big event with a ton of folks and he appreciates allthe organizations and people involved in that. He asked if the blighted property bill hadbeen signed into law. Manager Day reported it has been passed but it won’t go into effect until July 1, 2025, and Shannon Ainsley is already on it with 46 homes to evaluate to meet the criteria. Lastly, Vice-Mayor Dawson wanted to voice his financial support for the Claytor Lake Festival and agreed that the festival is more than worthy from a community standpoint. Councilman Erickson asked when the Council would vote for the donation to support the Claytor Lake Festival. Manager Day stated there is a list of projects that Council has supported in the past and the festival is one of them and it’ll be discussed in the next budget meeting work session. Mayor Collins reported on the new sports plex for Pulaski County, that it will be a nice facility to have within our county. He also the Main Street project is going well and moving along and looking good. 15.Manager’s Report Manager Day reported on the ground-breaking ceremony for the county’s sports plex, stating it is an amazing project and he will be bringing a resolution of support for that project to Council for consideration in the future. 16.Reminder of Future Council Meeting a.April 15, 2025, Closed Session 6:00 p.m., Open Session 7:00 p.m. 17.With no further business, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 7:52 p.m.