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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-02-251 1 1 Town Council Meeting Minutes September 2, 2025 1. The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and asked for a roll call. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye Mayor Collins- Aye 2. Modifications to Closed Session- The Mayor asked for a motion to add the following item: a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (1 item)- Personnel i. Appointments to Boards The motion was made by Councilman Clontz and seconded by Vice -Mayor Dawson to add the item. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye Mayor Collins- 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 i. Town Manager ii. Appointments to Boards The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Vice -Mayor Dawson. 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 Attorneys Scot Farthing and Andrew McBride, and Clerk of Council, Ms. Hale. 7:00 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 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (2 items)- Personnel i. Town Manager Page 1 of 14/ September 2, 2025 1 1 ii. 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- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 5.. Councilman Erickson led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 6. Councilman Clark gave the invocation. 7. The Mayor welcomed all in attendance and those viewing online. 8. Modification to Public Session- The Mayor asked for a motion to add an item under `Voting Items', Item C- Resolution 2025-33 Resolution for the Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia as an Endorsement of Main Street PED Impro- Washington to Madison Project. The motion was made by Vice -Mayor Dawson and seconded by Councilman Clark to add the resolution to the agenda. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 9. Organization Contributions Budgeted for FY 2025-2026 Mayor Collins- Aye a. Pulaski on Main- Sarah Alderman, Program Coordinator Pulaski on Main was represented by Program Coordinator, Sarah Alderman, alongside President Sam Broussard and Vice President Steve Critchfield. Ms. Alderman explained that the organization's mission is to preserve and promote the economic, cultural, and historical vitality of Pulaski's Main Street, recognizing Main Streets as the "heart of the community." Their primary goal is to revitalize Pulaski's Main Street as a hub for local businesses and entrepreneurs. She detailed Pulaski on Main's Marketplace initiative, which ran from mid -May to the end of August. The program hosted over 30 vendors and five musical acts, offering goods such as food, baked items, produce, plants, crafts, and jewelry. Community engagement extended further with groups like Friends of Peak Creek hosting nature series and local businesses like Pulaski Dance Productions performing. Nonprofits also participated to raise awareness. Vendor -reported sales throughout the season totaled more than $30,000, which Ms. Alderman Page 2 of 14/ September 2. 2025 emphasized as a major success for both vendors and the community. Vendor feedback surveys were also collected to inform improvements for future events. A key objective for Ms. Alderman was revitalizing Pulaski on Main's social media. Prior to her leadership, engagement was minimal, but through consistent daily posts, weekly live sessions, reels, and active promotion, the organization saw measurable increases: social media traffic rose 200%, views increased 132%, and interactions grew 103% between February and May. Even during the off- season, they aim to maintain momentum by encouraging vendors to share content such as recipes and tips. She described another major event, "Music and Merchants," held in May. Attendance grew by 1,000 compared to the previous year, despite logistical challenges caused by streetscape construction. The event coincided with the opening of two new downtown businesses, which benefited from increased foot traffic. Vendors, food trucks, and boutique owners reported strong sales, with some selling out completely. Bands expressed interest in returning next year. Ms. Alderman personally documented feedback during the event to improve future planning, and with Main Street renovations now complete, the organization hopes to expand the event further in the coming year. Pulaski on Main advanced to Tier 2 in the Virginia Main Street program in December of the previous year. This two-year cohort is designed to prepare communities for the highest tier and includes training in board development, relationship -building, grant writing, and strategic planning. One exercise involved characterizing board members' strengths, revealing a well-rounded and diverse team that includes "cheerleaders," "warriors," and "strategic thinkers." This helped board members better identify their contributions and collaborate more effectively. As part of their Virginia Main Street efforts, Pulaski on Main hosted a community vision tour. Community members placed post -it notes on downtown buildings, sharing ideas for potential uses. Many suggestions were practical and actionable. For example, for one 1,600-square-foot building, the most popular ideas included a coffee shop, clothing stores, a wine shop, and a cosmetic store. Ms. Alderman emphasized that the exercise not only generated realistic development ideas but also encouraged residents to see opportunities in existing properties and inspire entrepreneurial interest through a "domino effect" of word-of-mouth. At this point, Shannon Ainsley, the town's economic developer, spoke about results from a property inventory project connected to the visioning process. Six properties were examined with "big -picture" thinking, and Place in Main provided supporting data, including a retail leakage study. Ms. Ainsley explained that this study compared community demand to current supply. For example, in the retail food and drink category, demand was calculated at $1,493,000, with supply data to follow. Page 3 of 14/ September 2, 2025 Ms. Ainsley clarified the retail leakage findings, noting that Pulaski is losing approximately $433,000 in potential sales to outside communities because certain goods and services are unavailable locally. This represents revenue leaving the community due to unmet demand. She stressed the importance of using this data, combined with community feedback and Pulaski on Main's research, to guide economic development and strengthen Pulaski on Main's role in addressing these gaps. Ms. Ainsley presented the key recommendations from the Virginia Main Street assessment. These included: • Raising standards and expectations through stricter code enforcement. • Retail recruitment targeted toward businesses identified as meeting community needs. • Entrepreneurship support via partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce and other organizations. • Activating Pulaski Theater as a cultural anchor to draw visitors downtown. • Historic tax credit education to encourage reinvestment in Pulaski's many historic buildings. • Adding housing, with several projects already in early development stages. • Better trail connections, particularly linking Pulaski's Dora Trail to the New River Trail State Park, for stronger tourism appeal. She emphasized gratitude for Pulaski's involvement in Virginia Main Street, which has provided resources to mobilize revitalization strategies and community engagement. Ms. Alderman resumed the presentation to outline Pulaski on Main's upcoming projects. Their next major event, Harvest and Harmonies, is scheduled for September 13t", modeled after the historic "Count Pulaski Days" with an agricultural and artisan focus. The group also plans further Virginia Main Street trainings, including a tour of Tazewell's Main Street to study board operations. Vendors are planning a Christmas edition of the Marketplace, reflecting their enthusiasm for continued collaboration. Additional initiatives include the installation of murals, increased business engagement through direct visits and social media promotion, and expanded events on Main Street now that streetscape improvements are complete. Ms. Alderman described efforts to support shop small collaborations, highlighting how two downtown boutiques plan a joint fall event with Pulaski on Main's assistance. She also mentioned progress on We Are 37, a long -anticipated business development. Finally, she explained Pulaski on Main's adoption of a transformational strategy from Virginia Main Street, which positions her and the board as facilitators between businesses and the town to Page 4 of 14/ September 2, 2025 elevate local enterprises. She expressed excitement for 2025, emphasizing a strong calendar of events and a vision for continued Main Street growth. Councilman Burchett suggested exploring models from Lewisburg, West Virginia, a small town with a thriving downtown despite lacking industry, largely due to its repurposed theater and vibrant arts programs. He offered to connect Pulaski on Main with Lewisburg contacts for insights. He also inquired about how retail demand calculations were made. Ms. Ainsley explained that the data likely comes from sources such as credit card sales data and Placer, a location tracking app, though she would confirm whether the methodology was outlined in the report. 10. Presentations a. EDA Grant Update- Shannon Ainsley, Economic Developer Ms. Ainsley presented an update on a grant opportunity at Vice -Mayor Dawson's recommendation, the town will be pursing the USEDA Disaster Relief Grant, designed for communities impacted by Hurricane Helene and to strengthen resilience for future disasters. The grant is targeted toward projects that support business retention and growth, making Pulaski's water treatment project an ideal candidate. Steps that have already been taken include consultations with the New River Valley Regional Commission and the US Economic Development Administration, which confirmed Pulaski's eligibility. A consultant has been engaged to assist with the complex application, and collaboration with the Regional Commission is ongoing to ensure the proposal is competitive. The grant application process is lengthy, but any awarded funds would significantly reduce future water rate increases for residents. Ms. Ainsley stressed the highly competitive nature of USEDA funding but remained optimistic, citing the strength of the town's application team. Vice -Mayor Dawson expressed appreciation for Ms. Ainsley's work, recognizing the grant as a substantial opportunity to offset the high costs of the water treatment project. Manager Day commented about the 80/20 match requirement, which complicates the application. Pulaski has a relatively strong fund balance, but presenting the financials persuasively remains challenging. The town is awaiting word from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) on a loan application, which could include principal forgiveness; if awarded, this could Page 5 of 14/ September 2, 2025 . potentially count toward Pulaski's match requirement. This would strengthen their position considerably. It was noted that while the grant is open until funds are exhausted, no awards have been made yet, meaning early applicants may have an advantage. Pulaski is one of only a few localities in the region pursuing the grant, which increases their chances. In the meantime, staff are working on parts of the application that do not depend on the VDH loan outcome, so they are prepared to move quickly once that determination is made. b. Army Corps of Engineers; Peak Creek Update- Austin Painter, Town of Pulaski Project Manager Mr. Painter provided an update on Peak Creek. He explained that in recent years, a hydrology study was conducted to evaluate the creek's floodplain, conditions, and risks. One recommendation from that study was the relocation of residents out of hazardous flood zones —a separate, long-term project. The focus of his current update concerned the low -head dam on Peak Creek, which had been under evaluation for nearly two years. Although preliminary engineering was completed, a phase two environmental site assessment revealed concerning results. Testing at five locations along the creek, from the raw water intake near Gatewood down to the bike park, detected elevated levels of heavy metals. Many values exceeded Army Corps thresholds, triggering further regulatory review. The test results, detailed in the Corps' report, showed multiple yellow -highlighted values indicating contamination above allowable limits. Elevated levels of heavy metals became progressively worse downstream, particularly past old industrial sites. Mr. Painter noted that such contamination is typical of areas with a legacy of manufacturing, where byproducts leach into soil and waterways. Although Peak Creek is not unique in facing these challenges, many U.S. waterways have similar issues; the results require immediate attention. He emphasized transparency, stating the community must understand the scope of contamination before deciding next steps. Because of the findings, the Army Corps cannot move forward with removing or funding the removal of the low -head dam until the contamination is addressed. This puts the project on hold while the town, Army Corps, EPA, and Virginia DEQ determine severity and remediation strategies. Mr. Painter described it as a major, long-term endeavor that will require consultants, coordination between agencies, and significant funding. When asked about potential financial support from Councilwoman Cope, he confirmed that federal and state agencies may provide grants for cleanup. Early Page 6 of 14/ September 2, 2025 discussions suggest that both EPA and DEQ could have applicable funding streams, and the Army Corps itself may also have resources for related work. Vice -Mayor Dawson sought clarification on the test locations, especially those near the town's water intake. Mr. Painter explained that while one sample near Gatewood showed elevated barium, other metals detected, like arsenic, are naturally occurring and linked to local geology rather than industry. Importantly, he stressed that surface water results differ from soil results. The town's water treatment plant consistently tests its effluent, and alarms would trigger if contaminants entered the system at unsafe levels. In fact, Pulaski's treated water exceeds Health Department standards and remains of very high quality. The contamination issue is primarily tied to the creek's soil and sediment, not the town's drinking water. Mr. Painter noted that some of the Army Corps' threshold levels seem low compared to naturally occurring baselines. A key part of upcoming negotiations will be determining how those thresholds are applied in Pulaski's case and whether naturally present elements can be distinguished from industrial pollution. The discussion shifted to practical concerns about maintaining the creek. Councilman Erickson asked whether trees and overgrowth could be cleared. Mr. Painter responded that vegetation removal is treated differently from soil disturbance. Cutting trees may be possible with minimal permitting, but any soil disruption would require formal approval from the Army Corps. Councilman Erickson and Councilman Burchett voiced frustration that past cleanup efforts were discouraged by regulators, leaving the creek in poor condition. Manager Day acknowledged the problem and said Mr. Painter had begun making calls to identify a clear regulatory contact at DEQ or the Corps. At present, agencies appear to be "passing the buck," which complicates efforts to address routine maintenance. 11. Voting Items a. Resolution 2025-31 Appointing Christopher Conner to the Town of Pulaski, Virginia Economic Development Authority 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- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye Page 7 of 14/ September 2, 2025 b. Resolution 2025-32 Appropriating Grant Funds Ms. Ainsley reported that this resolution appropriates funds from a $10,000 Virginia Energy Grant. The grant supports public education on energy -efficient upgrades in historic properties. She noted the timing is ideal, given the town's ongoing revitalization of older buildings. Many structures once thought beyond saving have been successfully renovated, combining preservation with sustainability. The new program, Revive and Renew, will showcase the projects as examples of how to modernize efficiently while maintaining historic character. Public education efforts will use the town's existing platforms, including social media, newsletters, newspapers, and the website. The initiative will cover both residential and commercial properties, encouraging wider adoption of sustainable practices. The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Councilwoman Cope 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 c. Resolution 2025-33 Resolution for the Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia as an endorsement of Main Street PED Improv- Washington to Madison Project Mr. Painter explained that the first phase of the project had recently reached substantial completion, and a pre -application had been submitted to VDOT for additional funding. The new phase would extend improvements along the opposite side of Washington Street down to Madison. Ultimately, the town's goal is to reach the "Y" intersection where 3rd Street meets Main, but after consultation with VDOT, the project was divided into two phases to improve competitiveness in the grant process. A public engagement effort, "Let's Talk Streetscapes Part Two," was announced for September 10, 2025, at the downtown train station, with sessions scheduled at both noon and 6 p.m. This would allow citizens to provide feedback and ask questions. The projected timeline for construction was estimated at roughly three years, reflecting the time needed for award, design, and federal approval processes, especially regarding ADA compliance. Councilman Burchett expressed appreciation for the increased transparency and public outreach. Councilman Erickson questioned why the project was being truncated at Madison rather than extending to the Y in one effort. Page 8 of 14/ September 2, 2025 Mr. Painter explained that the decision was driven by grant competitiveness, since breaking the work into two segments increased the likelihood of funding. Manager Day commented that the grant covers an 80/20 federal and state split, minimizing the need for local funding. This approach would also spread out the financial impact, as the program is highly competitive with localities statewide applying for sidewalks, train station renovations, and other projects. Councilman Erickson voiced concerns that phasing the project could delay completion for up to five years. A consensus formed around the strategy of ensuring at least partial funding now rather than risking rejection for a larger, more expensive project. 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 12. Discussions a. Speed Reduction- Manager Day Manager Day introduced the topic of speed limits around town, noting long- standing concerns from both businesses and residents. A speed study had been conducted, but the resulting data was highly technical and difficult to interpret without an engineering background. He acknowledged that the study's recommendations were based on the 85th percentile speed methodology and asked the police chief to present data and insights. Chief Parmelee provided supporting documentation, including bar graphs from the speed spy system and a crash history along the Route 99 corridor between Bob White Boulevard and Door Highway. The data showed a concentration of serious crashes, particularly at the Route 99 and Door Highway intersection. This intersection has poor visibility due to a concrete bridge railing, compounded by nighttime and fog conditions. Additionally, the nearby bike park lacks a turn lane, creating further traffic hazards. The speed spy system, deployed across from the bike park, recorded 3,381 vehicles over four days. Results showed an average speed of 41 mph, with the 50th percentile at 41 mph and the 85th percentile at 47 mph. The highest recorded speed was 59 mph in a zone posted at 35 mph. Page 9 of 14/ September 2, 2025 Discussion from Councilman Erickson followed about the appropriate location for the speed limit reduction. Previously, the drop from 55 to 35 mph occurred closer to Xloy, but Captain Saul clarified that VDOT required an intermediate step, lowering the limit to 45 mph at Door Highway before reducing it again to 35 mph. This was done to meet deceleration standards. Councilman Erickson raised concerns that inconsistent signage, combined with GPS errors, could lead to confusion and create the impression of a "speed trap," especially since officers are frequently positioned near the transition zone. Captain Saul clarified that while tickets are written, many citations are issued as non-moving violations under §46.2-830, failure to obey highway signs, which carries less severe consequences than speeding charges. He emphasized that the town is not operating a "speed trap," but rather enforcing necessary safety measures in a high -risk corridor. Captain Saul emphasized that most citations in the area are for significant speeding, not minor infractions, and that officers generally allow a buffer rather than stopping vehicles for just a few miles per hour over the posted limit. Chief Parmelee warned that if the limit were raised back to 45 mph, many drivers would push speeds into the 55-60 mph range, creating serious safety concerns. Vice -Mayor acknowledged the tension between public perception and safety priorities. He pointed out that the disputed stretch of road is only about 50 yards long and that the difference in travel time between 35 mph and 45 mph over such a short distance amounts to only a few seconds per trip. Given that minimal inconvenience, he argued that even the possibility of improved safety outweighed any argument for raising the limit. Councilman Burchett agreed, saying the safety risks, particularly near Door Highway and the bike park, made the current 35 mph limit a reasonable precaution. Manager Day requested clearer direction from Councilman Erickson about the specific reasons for considering a speed increase, noting that more targeted feedback would allow them to present stronger data. Discussion turned to crash statistics: accidents at the Door Highway intersection decreased after the speed limit reduction in 2022, with three crashes recorded before the change and none afterward in 2024. This evidence suggested the lower limits may be having a positive effect. Still, Councilman Erickson questioned whether the drop to 35 mph just before the curve at Xloy was necessary, suggesting that the limit could remain at 45 mph until that point without compromising safety. The conversation concluded with Mr. Erickson's acknowledgment that GPS errors, which still show outdated higher limits, contribute to confusion for drivers. Ideas were raised about reporting speed limit updates to Google Maps to correct these discrepancies. Vice -Mayor Dawson agreed that while enforcement is Page 10 of 14/ September 2, 2025 necessary, improving signage and technology accuracy could reduce frustration for motorists. b. EPA Community Grant- Manager Day Manager Day reported receiving news that the county had been awarded an EPA Community Grant originally applied for several years ago, before his tenure. The grant totaled $1 million, though the initial request had been for more than $3 million in water line replacement projects. Planned sections for replacement include Commerce Street, Hermosa Drive, and the Town of Dublin. He explained that further meetings with the county are scheduled to determine how the funding will be allocated, and more information will be brought back to the council once details are clarified. He reminded the council that funding for water infrastructure remains a critical need, especially in light of the town's ongoing water meter replacement program. Recently, $195,000 was approved for new meters, with most of that expense covered by ARPA fund interest. While this investment marks progress, significant additional work remains. Fire Truck- Manager Day Manager Day provided an update on the Fire Department's pending equipment acquisition. Under previous management, the town ordered a new fire truck at a total cost of $1,092,402.00. Delivery of the truck is now approaching, marking a major upcoming expense and milestone for the department. He provided details on financing the new fire truck purchase. He explained that interest rates from banks were currently uncompetitive, with many exceeding 5%. To move forward, he recommended financing the truck over 15 years at 5.6% interest through Freedom Financial, resulting in annual payments of $109,555.64. He noted this plan was unbudgeted but necessary to secure the vehicle. Manager Day emphasized that the town would likely refinance the loan in the next fiscal year, depending on council priorities and available funds. While a seven-year option would result in significantly less interest paid, under $300,000 total, the lack of budgeted funds made the longer -term financing the only feasible approach for now. Mayor Collins asked whether Manager Day could be given discretion to refinance when conditions improved, and Manager Day confirmed that was his intention. The motion was made by Vice -Mayor Dawson and seconded by Councilman Clark to approve the Town Manager's request for approval for a 15-year, 5.6% financing from Freedom Financial for the expense of the fire truck. Page 11 of 14/ September 2, 2025 Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Nay Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 13. Public Comment Period Chuck Vaughan of Schrader Hill Road, addressed the council regarding a property on Elizabeth Street formerly owned by his wife's grandfather, who passed away in 2019. The family only recently discovered, on July 29, 2025, that the property was scheduled for auction on the courthouse steps. With no administrator previously assigned to the estate, his wife stepped in to file the necessary paperwork. Mr. Vaughan explained that the town had been maintaining the property since 2019, mowing the yard approximately 14 times. While the base mowing costs were about $150 per instance, additional administrative, legal, and filing fees raised the total to more than $7,000. Mr. Vaughan argued that the administrative fees, totaling $437 per mowing cycle, were excessive and created an unfair burden for heirs who had only recently learned of the estate. He stressed that his family wanted to clear the property, pay back taxes, and either rehabilitate or sell the house, but the accumulated fees made that nearly impossible. Councilman Burchett asked whether his wife would soon hold legal ownership of the property. Mr. Vaughan confirmed that her name would be placed on the deed once probate was completed. He reiterated that they had no prior knowledge of the inheritance or responsibilities, as his wife had never even met her grandfather and was unaware of the estate until late July. Councilman Burchett expressed sympathy, noting that since Mr. Vaughan was willing to invest in restoring the property and that the town should consider offering relief from some administrative charges. However, Manager Day cautioned that doing so could set a precedent, since mowing, filing, and attorney costs are standard, legislatively supported processes applied to many similar cases each year. He explained that the fees went beyond mowing, covering attorney services, courthouse filings, and staff time. He asked that Mr. Vaughan submit a specific written request for relief so staff could analyze the issue and provide a recommendation to the council. The conversation also touched on timing, since the property was set for auction as early as September 6ch or 91h. Mr. Vaughan noted he had been working with attorneys and considering an injunction to delay the sale, but a quick decision from the town would be necessary to avoid losing the property. Manager Day advised that while the council should study the matter carefully, sales could be postponed to later auction cycles if needed. Mr. Vaughan further explained that taxes had supposedly been paid in recent years by another family member, but confusion and neglect left the property vulnerable to liens. He asked the council to recognize that neither he nor his wife had ever been notified Page 12 of 14/ September 2, 2025 about the inheritance, and that they were stepping in only now to resolve the matter responsibly. Mr. Vaughan reiterated his request for relief on the administrative costs tied to the Elizabeth Street property, noting that while mowing expenses of $150 per occurrence were understandable, the additional $237 in administrative charges per mowing remained unclear. Manager Day agreed that before they could act, they would need a formal written request from Mr. Vaughan outlining the specific relief he was seeking, along with supporting details from staff about the administrative costs. Manager Day confirmed that the town could temporarily halt the scheduled auction, but doing so would require a refile and result in additional costs. He emphasized that the council was entering "a really heavy administrative area" and urged careful review before any decision. He offered to remove the property from the auction docket if Mr. Vaughan submitted his request in writing, promising to bring the matter back to the council quickly once the information was available. Mr. Vaughan agreed to deliver the request the following morning. He stressed that if council members were in his position, discovering a neglected property suddenly burdened with thousands of dollars in charges from a relative they barely knew, they too would want relief. Vice -Mayor Dawson expressed understanding but maintained that the matter had to follow the proper process. Before leaving, Mr. Vaughan added one final comment unrelated to the property. He urged the council to remember that parking is critical to the success of Main Street redevelopment. He warned that no matter how attractive new businesses might be, a lack of convenient parking would discourage visitors from stopping downtown. 14. Consent Agenda a. Consideration of August 19, 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- Aye Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Abstained Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 15. Council Comments & Board Updates Councilwoman Cope praised the progress on Main Street, noting that the improvements were generating excitement and anticipation for new retail business. Vice -Mayor Dawson provided an update from the Regional Commission, highlighting two developments: first, that USEDA grant opportunities had been discussed earlier in Page 13 of 14/ September 2, 2025 the meeting; and second, that construction work was already underway at rail sites for future passenger rail service. He encouraged residents to drive past the sites to observe the progress, describing it as a major step forward for the region. He also reported that the Regional Commission's relocation to the new facility was nearly complete. 16. Manager's Report Manager Day had no other items to report on. 17. Reminder of Future Council Meetings a. September 8, 2025 6:00 p.m. Joint Meeting with the Planning Commission b. September 16, 2025; Closed Session 6:00 p.m., Open Session 7:00 p.m. 18. With no further business, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:32 p.m. 1 AT ST O 1via C. ale Clerk of Council 1 TOWN of PULASKI, VIRGINIA W. Shannon Collins Mayor Page 14 of 14/ September 2. 2025