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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-15-25 Town Council Meeting Minutes July 15, 2025 1. The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and asked for a roll call. 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 2. Modifications to Closed Session- The Mayor asked for a motion to enter back into Closed Session after Open Session for the following additions to Closed Session: a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (1 item)- Personnel Matters i. Town of Pulaski Police Chief b. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 8 (2 items)- Consultation with Legal Counsel i. SHAH Development ii. New River Valley Criminal Justice Academy The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Councilwoman Cope. 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 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 (2 items)- Personnel Matters i. Town Manager ii. Town of Pulaski Police Chief b. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 8 (2 items)- Consultation with Legal Counsel i. SHAH Development ii. New River Valley Criminal Justice Academy The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Vice-Mayor Dawson. 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 The following council members and staff entered into Closed Session: Councilman Clark, Councilwoman Cope, Vice-Mayor Dawson, Councilman Erickson, Councilman Burchett, Mayor Collins, Town Manager Todd Day, and Town Attorney Scot Farthing. 7:03 p.m. Open Session Page 1 of 9/July 15, 2025 4. Certification of Closed Session- The Mayor asked for a motion that only the following items were discussed during Closed Session: a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (2 items)- Personnel Matters i. Town Manager ii. Town of Pulaski Police Chief b. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 8 (2 items)- Consultation with Legal Counsel i. SHAH Development ii. New River Valley Criminal Justice Academy The motion was made by Vice-Mayor Dawson and seconded by Councilwoman Cope. 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 5. Councilwoman Cope led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 6. Councilman Clark gave the invocation. 7. Mayor Collins welcomed all in attendance and those viewing online. 8. Modifications to Public Session- Manager Day asked that a vote be added under agenda item number 7-B under VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1- Personnel Matters and the vote will be for the Fire Chief, Clerk of Council, and Building Official to operate under the same guidelines as the Town Charter Article 4, subsection 5.02, which gives direction to those positions by the Town Manager. The motion was made by Vice-Mayor Dawson and seconded by Councilwoman Cope. Jeremy L. Clark- Abstained G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett-Aye 9. Presentations a. Raymond Ratcliffe Museum/N.W. Historical Society/Parks & Trails- April Danner, Ken Miller,Nate Repass Ms. Danner from the Raymond Ratcliffe Museum and the Virginia 250 Pulaski County Committee presented a proposal to repaint the town's caboose in a red, white, and blue bicentennial scheme aligned with the Virginia 250 celebration, citing historical relevance and support from the Norfolk and Western Historical Society. The caboose,though weathered, is in good condition and would undergo cleaning, priming, and repainting, with some volunteer labor and material Page 2 of 9/ July 15, 2025 donations already lined up. Norfolk& Western Historical Society has agreed to assist with period-accurate decals and numbering. Alternative color schemes include the historically accurate Wabash blue, which would be simpler and more durable, and a more traditional red repaint. The aim is to achieve a historically respectful, aesthetically pleasing result that brings attention to the caboose and enhances its role in the VA 250 celebrations. Vice- Mayor Dawson asked for a cost estimate. Mr. Repass stated that the projected cost for a high-quality restoration, which would include the 1776 color scheme would be $25,000 to $30,000. Councilman Burchett asked for a timeline of the restoration project. Mr. Repass stated there are plans to potentially begin work this summer and finalize in the spring. The discussion on the caboose restoration continued, emphasizing the importance of using high-quality materials and historical accuracy to ensure long-term preservation. The team highlighted potential grant and tourism opportunities by co-branding with the VA 250 celebration and discussed ideas for future interior use,though they clarified it would remain a static display for now due to cost and ADA concerns. Suggestions included adding historical plaques and collaborating with the museum to provide context for visitors. Mayor Collins asked about repurposing the caboose, suggesting an Airbnb. Mr. Repass stated that due to its location, near the train tracks and extensive additional renovation that would be required to make it more habitable, it is not likely to be pursued as an Airbnb, but the current project would focus on preserving the exterior, repairing windows, sealing the structure, and preventing further decay. b. VDEM/FEMA Update, Kersey Bottom-Nathan Smythers, Building Official Mr. Smythers reported an update on a FEMA hazard mitigation grant program for Kersey Bottom,which would fund the town's acquisition and demolition of 48 flood-prone properties to convert them into open space. Most property owners have expressed support, and there would be no cost to local taxpayers, and at any point homeowners may choose to back out of the program, but it is too late to join. Councilman Burchett asked if FEMA had reached out to the homeowners. Page 3 of 9/July 15, 2025 Mr. Smythers reported that VDEM, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, and town staff went onsite to meet with homeowners. Councilman Burchett questioned whether there was any financial burden on the residents of the town. Mr. Smythers stated that the funding will come from FEMA through VDEM, and it's based on fair market value, but the property owner, at their expense, can pay for up to three property assessments, and we would take the average of those three assessments. Vice-Mayor Dawson asked if it would include the demo or just the purchase of the property. Mr. Smythers stated that it would include the demo as well, and the project would move forward if the majority of the homeowners agreed; if they back out, they can still have the property. The end goal would be that the town takes ownership of these properties, demo them, and then put deep restrictions that will prohibit any further development of those properties, so no structure will be built, it will be open space to be used for playgrounds or other options to utilize that space. Vice-Mayor Dawson asked if there was funding that would go towards relocation. Mr. Smythers stated that there would not be,that's why fair market value for buying their property is offered. Manager Day stated that it's a good program, and he used the same program to relocate Town Hall in Bluefield out of a floodway. c. VDEM Grant-Nathan Smythers, Building Official Lastly, Mr. Smythers reported that the town will be applying for a$22,000 FEMA reimbursement grant for the generator use during a power outage at the filter plant and the raw water plant during Hurricane Helene and the re-appropriation of various grants, including VDOT funds. 10. Voting Items a. Resolution 2025-28 Appropriating Grant Funds Manager Day reported appropriating grant funds that were awarded for FY24-25 but have not yet been expended. Funds include $63,990 from VDOT for Main Street South improvements and $89,116 for Main Street North. Sonia Ramsey, Administrative Manager of the Pulaski Police Department reported that a $10,732.07 grant supported police training, including Detective Brianna Terry's recent completion of Forensic Academy was allocated this past spring that was Page 4 of 9/July 15, 2025 awarded at the beginning of last year, beginning of FY 2025. The funds were used to cover related program costs and have been fully utilized. Ms. Ramsey provided a detailed overview of multiple grants received and utilized by the police department. The town incurred no cost for her recent training trip thanks to reimbursement through an Operation Ceasefire Grant, for which receipts will be submitted shortly. A second Operation Ceasefire Forensic and Analytical Technology Grant,totaling $83,108, was awarded starting July 1. This grant funded a Trimble X9 laser scanner for advanced crime scene investigations and training for detectives. It also covered two Nikon Z7 mirrorless cameras to enhance photo documentation at crime scenes. The department also received the Local Law Enforcement(LE) Block Grant, amounting to $3,152, which was slightly less than last years. These funds were used to purchase ten digital cameras for patrol officers and lockout kits, allowing officers to independently document minor crime scenes and assist with vehicle lockouts without needing additional personnel. Additionally, a$13,853 JAG grant was used to purchase non-standard law enforcement equipment that cannot typically be funded through the town's regular budget. Planned purchases include a much-needed camera system for the interview room, firearm drawer storage for the interim chiefs vehicle, new computer mounts for patrol vehicles, and additional unlock kits. In closing,the Town Manager and Town Council acknowledged Ms. Ramey's diligence and effectiveness in securing these grants. The town also received a $500,000 EPA Brownfield Grant and a $50,000 agricultural grant for the marketplace, both spearheaded by Shannon Ainsley, Economic Developer. 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-Absent Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope-Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson-Aye Joel B. Burchett-Aye b. Personnel Matters The motion was made by Councilwoman Cope and seconded by Vice- Mayor Dawson to include the Fire Chief, Clerk of Council, and Building Official to be managed under the Town Manager. The motion was made by Councilwoman Cope and seconded by Vice-Mayor Dawson. Jeremy L. Clark- Abstained G. Tyler Clontz-Absent Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope-Aye Steven W. Erickson-Aye Page 5 of 9/July 15, 2025 Brooks R. Dawson-Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 11. Discussion a. Water Meters- Manager Day Manager Day updated the council on ongoing issues with the town's water meter system. The existing meters are electronic and rely on drive-by data collection. However, due to age and malfunction, up to 800 meters had failed at one point, requiring time-consuming manual reads. Public works has since replaced all of those, though 200 remain non-functional. Manager Day reported that he is actively seeking grants through the Virginia Department of Health to fund meter replacements and include them within the town's $25 million capital improvement project, which also covers the water treatment plant and a two-mile water line. Given the strain on staff and potential inefficiencies, he emphasized the need to avoid delaying further action until the next funding cycle. 12. Public Comment Period-No speakers were present. 13. Consent Agenda a. Consideration of July 1, 2025 Town Council Meeting Minutes The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Vice-Mayor Dawson to adopt the minutes 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. Council Comments/Board Updates Councilman Clark thanked Jackie Reid, Human Resources and town staff for their work in the 4th of July events and asked Manager Day to elaborate on the leadership class that town employees were involved with. Manager Day reported that Nate Repass, Parks and Trails Manager, Sgt. Jaimie Williamson from the Police Department, and Lt. John Hall from the Fire Department graduated from the Southwest Local Government Leadership Academy, which was a class for furthering education, communication, and modern leadership skills and congratulated those employees for their completion in the class. Page 6 of 9/July 15, 2025 Vice-Mayor Dawson stated the new town website was easy to navigate through, very informative, and thorough. He did suggest marketing events more on the homepage, other than the calendar standpoint and promote career opportunities more. Councilman Burchett asked who developed the website and does the maintenance and asked if the County IT Department works with it. Manager Day reported that an outside entity, Revise, develops and maintains the website if there are any internal crashes and the County IT is no longer involved in the town's website. Vice-Mayor Dawson commented that you can sign up for notifications through the website, which is another great avenue of information. Councilman Erickson asked for a way for the council to be updated on the new business licenses that are applied for and granted, so they are informed of what businesses are coming. Manager Day stated that there are times when businesses do not want the town to announce their arrival and there is a program to keep the council up to date, but if we have to honor the business's wishes if they ask us not to announce it. Mayor Collins thanked the AMVETS for their donation of a drone to the Pulaski Police Department. 15. Manager's Report Manager Day thanked the AMVETS for the drone donation and highlighted the advanced capabilities of the new drone. He announced the passing of Jerry Crowder, General Properties Superintendent for the Public Works Department, who worked for the town for over 30 years. He stated the 4th of July events were incredible and announced the School Supplies Drive for National Night Out on August 5th. Councilman Erickson asked if there was a chance to move the Town Council meeting scheduled on August 5th so councilmembers could participate in the event. Mayor Collins stated we could start the meeting at 7:00 p.m. and move the Closed Session to after the Open Session. Manager Day also announced the Chrome in the Valley Cruise-In for Saturday, July 19th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and thanked Vice-Mayor Dawson's comments on the website, that it will be a moving target with continuous updates but complimented the County's IT Department for their work over the previous years in managing that and also their continued work with serving the town and the entire county. He stated that there were requests that the previous council had when it came to transparency, communicating with the public, and being able to push forward, and not that the County IT Department Page 7 of 9/July 15, 2025 couldn't do that, it was in the best interest and a better opportunity for the town to be able to budget and do the website in-house. 16. Reminder of Future Council Meeting a. August 5, 2025; Closed Session 6:00 p.m., Open Session 7:00 p.m. 17. The Mayor asked for a motion to enter back into Closed Session at 8:12 p.m. to discuss the following items: a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (2 items)- Personnel Matters i. Town Manager ii. Town of Pulaski Police Chief b. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 8 (2 items)- Consultation with Legal Counsel i. SHAH Development ii. New River Valley Criminal Justice Academy The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Vice-Mayor Dawson. 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 18. 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 (1 item)- Personnel Matters i. Town of Pulaski Police Chief b. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 8 (2 items)- Consultation with Legal Counsel i. SHAH Development ii. New River Valley Criminal Justice Academy The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Vice-Mayor Dawson. 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 19. With no further business, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 9:26 p.m. Page 8 of 9/July 15, 2025