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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-17-25Town Council Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025 1. The Mayor 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- Absent G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye Mayor Collins- 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: a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (1 item)- Personnel Matters i. Appointments to Boards The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Councilwoman Cope. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Absent Joel B. Burchett- Aye The following councilmembers and staff entered into Closed Session: Councilman Clark, Councilwoman Cope, Councilman Clontz, Councilman Erickson, Councilman Burchett, Mayor Collins, Town Manager, Todd Day, Town Attorney, Scot Farthing, and Clerk of Council, Ms. Hale. 6:15 p.m. Work Session 1. Discussion(s)- Manager Day a. Project Revitalize The Town Council discussed strategies for managing vacant lots and demolishing dilapidated homes. Shannon Ainsley, Economic Developer, is pursuing grant opportunities and overseeing ARS projects, which have had mixed financial results. A $500,000 unsecured LOC from National Bank with 7% interest was mentioned. The council considered involving the EDA to manage lots and build homes, aiming to break even rather than profit. They debated using performance bonds to ensure builders comply. The council agreed to proceed with best practices, retaining property, and using an LOC to build homes, while also considering tax liens and potential fire training exercises with demolished structures. • The ARS homes have made a little money on the second one, and there is a current project expected to be completed soon. Page 1 of 7/ June 17. 2025 • The concept of performance agreements with builders is discussed, including the timeline for building a home. • The potential benefits of involving the EDA in the process are considered, including flexibility in selecting builders. • Councilman Burchett expressed concerns about the town losing money and the intangible benefits of having homes rather than vacant lots. • The financial implications of demolishing homes and the potential for recovering costs through taxes were discussed. • The possibility of using performance bonds to ensure builders follow through on their commitments was considered. • The legal process of placing liens on properties and the potential for court actions to recover demolition costs was outlined. • Manager Day discussed the challenges of managing vacant lots and the need for a comprehensive approach. • The potential for using the EDA to manage the project and the benefits of retaining control were considered. 7:02 p.m. Open Session Certification of Closed Session- The Mayor asked for a motion that only the following items were discussed in Closed Session: a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (1 item)- Personnel Matters i. Appointments to Boards 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- Absent Joel B. Burchett- Aye 2. Councilman Erickson led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Councilman Clark gave the invocation. 4. Mayor Collins welcomed all in attendance and viewing online. 5. Modifications to Public Session- Mayor Collins asked for a motion to add Resolution 2025-25 and Resolution 2025-26 to the agenda under Voting Items. Page 2 of 7/ June 17, 2025 1 The motion was made by Councilman Clontz and seconded by Councilwoman Cope. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Absent 6. Presentations G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye Mayor Collins- Aye a. Fire Department Recognitions & CE Richardson Grant- Chief J. Conner Chief Conner reported the Fire Department received two emergency vehicle fire blankets which are used for electric vehicle fires. Chief Conner recognized Ben Saunders, Mike Kesling, and Peyton Hollins as they received their EMT certification. b. Outdoor Facilities Update- Nate Repass Mr. Repass reported on the usage of the splash pad, the Draper Mountain Trails, an Eagle Scout project, which will take place on Draper Mountain to replace some trail features, cosmetic improvements to the Train Station, shelter reservations, and repair from flood damage at Heritage Park and the Bike Park. He reminded the Council and listeners of events that have happened and that are scheduled. He reported Music and Merchants was very successful with Pulaski on Main, the 4th of July parade on July 4th with activities in Jackson Park following the parade, the Marketplace every Tuesday at the Train Station, and Chrome in the Valley Car Shows every 3rd Saturday of the month for the summer in Jackson Park. Mr. Repass also reminded the Council and listeners of the additional parks and outdoor amenities the town offers; various playgrounds, pickleball courts, basketball courts, and the skate park. He also announced that he has ordered a drone to be used for promotional videos of the parks, economic development, and inspecting various outdoor spaces if needed. Councilman Erickson asked if there were any plans to build a shelter at the splash pad. Mr. Repass stated there were plans for extra amenities and tables, additional trash cans have been placed, picnic tables and additional seating are being looked at to be added, but as far as shelter, it gets expensive quickly, and flooding in the area makes it hard, but other options, such as tree coverage or a small other type of shelter could be looked at. Councilman Erickson also asked if it has been considered to add another community garden in the town. Page 3 of 7/ June 17, 2025 1 E Mr. Repass stated there have been discussions and locations looked at but there are currently no plans for one to be added. Councilman Burchett asked if the caboose in the park could be repainted. Mr. Repass reported the town is currently working with ACCE program volunteers to replace the windows and repainting the caboose this summer. Mayor Collins asked what the process was to name the bike park. Mr. Repass stated it either comes from a recommendation from a citizen or someone presents to the Town Council, sent to public input for naming, and brought back to the Town Council for voting. Manager Day stated Mr. Repass also oversees Gatewood and as of earlier today, Mr. Repass was promoted to the Parks and Trails Manager. 7. Public Hearing a. Energy Storage Facility Siting Agreement submitted by Peak Creek Energy Storage Center LLC for an Electrical Energy, Battery Storage Facility located on Monte Vista Dr. Ex [073-1-14] under section 4.11.2-2 Special Exceptions within a Light Industrial Zoning District. The Mayor read the Public Hearing advertisement that was advertised in The Patriot on June 6, 2025 and June 13, 2025. Mr. Farthing reported the siting agreement was discussed at the previous council meeting, and the battery storage facility off Monte Vista Drive has already been approved by a special use permit from the Planning Commission and Town Council, and this agreement allows for some capital payments to the Town and some rules for the LLC to follow along with the special use conditions. The Mayor opened the Public Hearing and as there were no speakers, the Mayor Closed the Public Hearing. The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Councilwoman Cope to approve the siting agreement and authorize the Town Manager to execute the agreement. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Absent Joel B. Burchett- Aye 8. Voting Items Page 4 of 7/ June 17, 2025 Mayor Collins- Aye a. Resolution 2025-24 Appropriating Funds to the Calfee Community and Cultural Center Manager Day reported any time we receive funds from the local government over a certain percentage, there has to be an appropriation of funds. There's $700,00 from the ARC and an additional one million from the National Park Service and these funds will be awarded to the Calfee project. The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Councilman Clontz 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- Absent Joel B. Burchett- Aye b. Resolution 2025-25 Reappointing Larry Clevinger, II as the Citizen Representative of the Town of Pulaski to the New River Valley Regional Commission The motion was made by Councilman Clontz 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- Absent Joel B. Burchett- Aye c. Resolution 2025-26 Appointing Michael Parmelee, Town of Pulaski Police Interim Chief, to the New River Valley Alcohol Safety Action Program. The motion was made by Councilwoman Cope 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- Absent Joel B. Burchett- Aye 9. Discussion(s) a. Fine Arts Center Supplemental Funding Request- Manager Day Manager Day reported the Town contributes $3,000 to the Fine Arts Center budget annually and this year they have requested an additional $3,000 from the town and county for the Rhythm by the Rails event. The motion was made by Councilman Clontz and seconded by Councilman Burchett to approve the additional request from the Fine Arts Center. Page 5 of 7/ June 17, 2025 Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Absent Joel B. Burchett- Aye 10. Public Comment Period William Paine thanked the Town Council for the supplemental funding amount and invited the council and all listeners to come out on August 9th to Jackson Park for the Rhythm by the Rails event. Councilman Burchett commented that too often we focus on negative things, dealing with negative, fighting certain fires and having the Fine Arts Center in town is great, they have been a mainstay here for many years, brought a lot of people in, and he appreciates them being here. Mayor Collins asked how the Gusto turned out. Mr. Paine reported the Gusto was fantastic and there were participants from out of state that enjoyed the event. 11. Consent Agenda a. Consideration of June 3, 2025 Town Council Meeting 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- Aye Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Absent Joel B. Burchett- Aye 12. Council Comments & Board Updates Councilwoman Cope stated there was a Virginia's First meeting but there were no real updates to be given at the time. Councilman Erickson apologized to the organization that organized the Pulaski Pride event, as it was not advertised by the Town. Councilman Burchett asked for a timeline of the Main Street project, he mentioned some of the businesses on Main Street asked for bike racks and trash cans to be placed on Main Street. He also asked to include additional signage about the historical buildings that are on Main Street. Page 6 of 7/ June 17, 2025 Manager Day stated he would get the Main Street timeline out within the next week and work with the County to come up with signage. Councilman Burchett also asked how many of the vehicles were sold at the auction and what was the total amount sold. Ms. Reid stated everything sold, 10 vehicles sold for $30,000. Councilman Erickson also mentioned including new signage downtown coming from Gatewood for travelers to get back to I81. Mayor Collins reminded listeners of the Battle of the Badges blood drive at the Train Station on July 181n 13. Manager's Report Manager Day had no additional items to report. 14. Reminder of Future Council Meeting a. July 1, 2025; Closed Session 6:00 p.m., Open Session 7:00 p.m. 15. With no further business, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m. ATT ST Olivia C. Hale Clerk of Council TOWN of PULASKI, VIRGINIA W. Shannon Collins Mayor Page 7 of 7/ June 17, 2025