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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-16-25 Town Council PacketAgenda Town Council Meeting Tuesday, December 16, 2025 6:45 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 Collins 4. Enter into Closed Session for the following items: a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (1 item)- Personnel i. Appointments to Boards 7:00 p.m. Public Session Council Chambers 1. Certification of Closed Session- Mayor Collins 2. Pledge of Allegiance- Councilman Burchett 3. Invocation- Councilman Clark 4. Guests and Visitors - Mayor Collins 5. Modification to Public Session- Mayor Collins 6. Presentations a. Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce 2025 Town of Pulaski Businesses Recognition- Sam Edwards, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director b. Public Works Update- Kim Caudill, Town of Pulaski Public Works Department Manager 7. Voting Items a. Resolution 2025-41 Re-Appointing Members to the Town of Pulaski, Virginia Cemetery Board of Trustees b. Resolution 2025-42 Re-Appointing Shannon Ainsley to the New River Valley Housing Fund 8. Discussion(s) Reasonable accommodation will be provided for persons with disabilities, if requested. a. GFL Bulk Pickup Update- Jackie Morris, Town of Pulaski Finance Director 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 of December 2, 2025 Town Council Minutes 11. Council Comments & Board Updates 12. Manager’s Report- Manager Day a. Town Offices & Convenience Center will be closed December 24-26th 13. Reminder of Future Council Meeting- Mayor Collins a. January 6, 2026; Closed Session 6:00 p.m./ Open Session 7:00 p.m. Voting Items RESOLUTION 2025-41 Resolution Re-Appointing Members to the Town of Pulaski, Virginia Cemetery Board of Trustees 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 Cemetery Board of Trustees has vacancies and residents desiring to reappoint and serve; and, NOW, THEREFORE be it RESOLVED, by the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia sitting in regular session this 16th day of December 2025 that the following persons are appointed to the board for the terms as indicated below. This resolution is effective upon adoption and is hereby adopted on this 16th day of December 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 Constance Patterson Cemetery Board of Trustees 01/01/2026 12/31/2028 Marcie Worrell Cemetery Board of Trustees 01/01/2026 12/31/2028 RESOLUTION 2025-42 Resolution Re-Appointing Shannon Ainsley to the New River Valley Housing Fund 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 New River Valley Housing Fund has a vacancy and a town representative desiring to reappoint and serve; and, NOW, THEREFORE be it RESOLVED, by the Town Council of the Town of Pulaski, Virginia sitting in regular session this 16th day of December 2025 that the following person is appointed to the board for the terms as indicated below. This resolution is effective upon adoption and is hereby adopted on this 16th day of December 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 Shannon Ainsley New River Valley Housing Fund 01/01/2026 12/31/2028 Consent Agenda Town Council Meeting Minutes December 2, 2025 1. The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:15 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. Modification to Closed Session- Ms. Hale asked to add one item under VA Code 2.2- 3711 (A) 1 Consultation with Legal Counsel, Warming Station to the agenda. The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Councilwoman Cope to enter into Closed Session to discuss the following items: 1. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (2 items)- Personnel a. Appointments to Boards b. Police Department 2. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (1 item)- Award of a Public Contract involving the Expenditure of Public Funds a. Pulaski Area Transit 3. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 8 (item)- Consultation with Legal Counsel a. Warming Shelter 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, Town Attorney Andrew McBride, and Clerk of Council Ms. Hale. 7:00 p.m. Open Session 3. Certification of Closed Session- The Mayor asked for a motion to certify that only the following items were discussed during Closed Session a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (2 items)- Personnel i. Appointments to Boards ii. Police Department b. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 29 (1 item)- Award of a Public Contract involving the Expenditure of Public Funds i. Pulaski Area Transit c. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 8 (1 item)- Consultation with Legal Counsel i. Warming Shelter The motion was made by Councilwoman Cope 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 4. Councilman Erickson led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 5. Councilman Clark gave the invocation. 6. The Mayor welcomed all in attendance and those viewing online. 7. Modification to Public Session- No modifications were made. 8. Presentations a. Eagle Scout Recognition- Nathan Repass, Outdoor Facilities Coordinator Mr. Repass described recent positive developments in the town’s parks, including recognitions for long-term trail volunteers. He highlighted two recently completed Eagle Scout projects. The first, by Heather Holman of Troop 158, involved improvements at Gatewood Park. Ms. Holman proposed her project in June after noticing a need for enhancements, specifically cleaning up signage and installing a ‘book nook’ free library for campers of all ages. She secured donated materials, built the library box, painted the artwork, and collected books to stock it. The installation was completed on October 1, and the project has already seen community use, as noted by campground hosts. Mayor Collins and Mr. Repass presented Ms. Holman with a Certificate of Recognition. Ms. Holman briefly thanked the Town of Pulaski for the opportunity to complete her project, sharing her gratitude and expressing that she enjoyed creating it. The second Eagle Scout, Caleb Young of Troop 141, was recognized for his extensive work on the Draper Mountain Trails. A cyclist familiar with the trails, he reached out to Mr. Repass in May to explore project opportunities. After discussions, he selected a project involving the replacement of aging trail features using funding from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation. Many existing features were 10-15 years old and built from pallet wood, resulting in deterioration. Mr. Young designed the replacement features, created a materials list, and coordinated volunteer crews. After returning from a long backpacking trip, he resumed work in August. During preparations, he discovered a washout on the Easy Street fire road, which made material transport difficult. As part of his enlarged project scope, he coordinated donations for shale and equipment to repair the road and install two water bars. Over four weekends beginning in late September, he led volunteers in removing old features and building new ones, including a skybridge anchored with approximately 100 bags of concrete, rebuilt teeter-totters, new bridges, a skinny feature, and a refreshed rock garden. Despite suffering a stress fracture and working in a boot, he directed the work onsite. He completed the project in early October. Mr. Repass showed photos of the improved landing area and his volunteer team. Mayor Collins and Mr. Repass presented Mr. Young with a Certificate of Recognition. Mr. Young thanked Mr. Repass and the Town of Pulaski, his friends and family, and the volunteers who helped him complete the project. He shared that all the paperwork for his Eagle Scout requirements has been submitted and expressed hope that his improvements will benefit the local trail system and mountain biking community. b. Building Department Update- Nathan Smythers, Certified Building Official Mr. Smythers presented the zoning and building department update. He explained that business license applications now all pass through zoning for review. Over the past month and a half, roughly 14 business licenses have been issued. The town has finalized plans for properties on South Madison Avenue, preparing to send them out for contractor bidding. The department continues updating the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinances, gathering comments for future presentation. Three subdivision and lot line adjustments, along with two sign permits, were reviewed; one sign proposal for the former Thompson Tire site, soon to become Tire Discounters, was taken to the Architectural Review Board. He reported that the ARS house at 520 Jackson Avenue has been completed, inspected, and is now on the market. The building department is partnering with Shannon Ainsley on Project Revitalize to attract contractors for properties on South Madison Avenue. He announced the completion of the town’s online portal for building permits, which allows contractors and residents to track inspection results and comments. Over the past month and a half, 47 permits have been issued and about 60 inspections have been completed. Manager Day asked for updates on Project Revitalize, noting that a donated house is soon to be demolished for future development. Mr. Smythers confirmed that three lots are currently being considered for development under the program, though several more properties are under review for potential demolition. Manager Day elaborated that Project Revitalize aims to rehabilitate or replace dilapidated structures using newly granted legislative tools and existing programs, acknowledging that progress has been gradual. 9. Voting Items a. Pulaski Area Transit FY 27 Requested Budget The motion was made by Vice-Mayor Dawson and seconded by Councilwoman Cope to set the FY 27 Pulaski Area Transit donation to $75,000 total. 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. Resolution 2025-38 Appointing Benjamin Linkous to the Town of Pulaski, Virginia Planning Commission The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Vice-Mayor Dawson to adopt Resolution 2025-38. 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 c. Resolution 2025-39 Resolution of Appointment to the Pepper’s Ferry Regional Wastewater Treatment Authority (J. Worrell) The motion was made by Councilwoman Cope and seconded by Councilman Clark to adopt Resolution 2025-39. 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 d. Resolution 2025-40 Resolution of Appointment to the Pepper’s Ferry Regional Wastewater Treatment Authority (A. Painter) The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Councilwoman Cope to adopt Resolution 2025-40. 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 10. Discussion(s) a. Review and Approval of Proposed Drive/Name Designation; “Ferry’s Court”- Nathan Smythers, Town of Pulaski Planning & Zoning Administrator and Building Official Mr. Smythers reported that the property owner currently has three active building permits, with one home ready for a certificate of occupancy and two others in construction stages, and intends to develop five additional lots located toward the back of the property. The private drive appears on the recorded plat but has not yet been assigned a formal name. The Planning Commission reviewed the request and recommended naming the private drive “Ferry’s Court”. Mr. Smythers explained that although the property owner originally suggested “Pepper’s Ferry Heights”, the Planning Commission believed a more distinct name was necessary for 911 addressing purposes due to the existing “Pepper’s Ferry” roadway. He confirmed that the property owner was agreeable to the Planning Commission’s recommendation. The motion was made by Vice-Mayor Dawson and seconded by Councilman Clark to approve the naming of Ferry’s Court based on the Planning Commission’s review. 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 11. Public Comment Period Terrie Sternberg inquired about the closed-session item related to the “warming shelter” discussion, specifically asking for clarification of the cited Virginia Code. The code in question, Virginia Code § 2.2-3711 (A) 8- was explained as relating to consultation with legal counsel. Before addressing her primary concern, Ms. Sternberg praised the previous evening’s tree lighting ceremony and commended the town for its continued investment in downtown beautification. She then asked for clarity regarding the town’s stance and progress concerning the “Rest and Rise” warming shelter initiative, noting uncertainty among supporters. Manager Day responded that the council had recessed the executive session due to time constraints and would continue discussions. He committed to communicating with Ms. Sternberg the following day. Ms. Sternberg emphasized that local churches simply wished to serve their community compassionately during the winter months and reiterated that the program was designed to be carefully supervised, not to attract additional service- seeking populations. She stressed the initiative’s focus on helping vulnerable local residents chart a positive path forward. 12. Consent Agenda a. Consideration of November 18, 2025 Town Council Minutes The motion was made by Councilwoman Cope and seconded by Vice-Mayor Dawson to accept the minutes as written. Jeremy L. Clark- Abstained G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Mayor Collins- Abstained Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 13. Council Comments & Board Updates The council members offered individual comments, with nearly all echoing Ms. Sternberg’s praise for the town’s Christmas lighting and downtown decorations. Multiple members described the previous evening as “fantastic,” noting impressive attendance and the high quality of staff preparations. Specific mentions were made of the s’mores station, the creativity of staff, and the strong community response. Members expressed pride in the transformation of Main Street, noting that even from a quarter mile away, the lights were clearly visible and impressive. Vice-Mayor Dawson highlighted the success of the revamped decorations in Jackson Park, acknowledging prior concerns but expressing complete satisfaction with the final product. He also proposed that in the coming years, the town to consider lighting the train station, given what a striking landmark it is. Councilman Erickson stressed the importance of resolving the Rest and Rise Winter Shelter discussions quickly so the town can step out of the church’s way and let them be able to help the vulnerable residents, as they see fit. Mayr Collins emphasized the hard work of staff across the departments, calling out both administrative personnel and Public Works for their contributions. They encouraged continuing the momentum in the future years. He reminded listeners of the annual Christmas parade that would take place on Thursday at 7 p.m., beginning outside the Municipal Building and proceeding down Main Street toward Food Lion. In addition to celebrating the decorations, Vice-Mayor Dawson encouraged residents to shop locally during the Christmas season, reminding the public of the many boutiques and small businesses that help sustain the community. He stressed that holiday shopping is an important economic opportunity for the town and urged people to explore what Pulaski stores have to offer before shopping elsewhere. 14. Manager’s Report Manager Day began his report by acknowledging the excellent work done in Jackson Park and throughout downtown. He noted that while he often receives compliments, the credit belongs to the capable and dedicated staff who routinely take ownership of projects and execute them with enthusiasm. He praised both administrative staff and Public Works employees for going above and beyond, particularly during the tree- lighting event, where many staff volunteered outside their typical roles. He recognized Mr. Petty and his team for their recent accomplishments for the tree decorations in the park. He also noted several local businesses were recognized at the Chamber of Commerce event, who will be recognized at a future council meeting. He emphasized the strong teamwork across departments as a major reason for the town’s continued momentum and the success of recent community events. 15. Reminder of Future Council Meeting a. December 16, 2025 Closed Session 6:00 p.m./ Open Session 7:00 p.m. 16. The Mayor asked for a motion to enter back into Closed Session at 7:28 p.m. to discuss the following items: a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (2 items)- Personnel i. Appointments to Boards ii. Police Department b. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 29 (1 item)- Award of a Public Contract involving the Expenditure of Public Funds i. Pulaski Area Transit c. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 8 (1 item)- Consultation with Legal Council i. Warming Station The motion was made by Councilwoman Cope 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 back into Closed Session: Councilman Clark, Councilwoman Cope, Vice-Mayor Dawson, Councilman Erickson, Councilman Burchett, Mayor Collins, Town Manager Todd Day, Town Attorney Andrew McBride, and Clerk of Council Ms. Hale. Deputy Fire Marshall, Michael Bruce, and Building Official, Nathan Smythers, entered into Closed Session during the Warming Station discussion and exited after. 17. Certification of Closed Session- The Mayor asked for a motion to certify that only the following items were discussed during Closed Session. a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (2 items)- Personnel i. Appointments to Boards ii. Police Department b. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 29 (1 item)- Award of a Public Contract involving the Expenditure of Public Funds i. Pulaski Area Transit c. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 8 (1 item)- Consultation with Legal Counsel i.Warming Shelter The motion was made by Councilwoman Cope 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. With no further business, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8: 36 p.m. General Info Financial Information Expenditure Reports Revenue Report