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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-03-261 1 Town Council Meeting Minutes February 3, 2026 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- Absent 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) 8 (1 item)- Consultation with Legal Counsel i. Horner Acre Farm LLC 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- Absent Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye The following council members and staff entered into Closed Session: Councilman Clark, 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 4. 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)- Consultation with Legal Counsel i. Horner Acre Farm LLC 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- Absent Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 5. Councilman Burchett led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 6. Councilman Clark gave the invocation. Page 1 of 6/ February 3, 2026 I 7. Mayor Collins welcomed all in attendance and viewing online. 8. Modification to Public Session- No modifications were made. 9. Voting Items a. Resolution 2026-06 Re -appointing Kevin Meyer to the Town of Pulaski Architecture Review Board and Town of Pulaski Planning Commission The motion was made by Vice -Mayor Dawson and seconded by Councilman Clark to adopt Resolution 2026-06. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Absent Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 10. Discussion(s) a. Town of Pulaski PRV Sub -Zones or Needmore and Pleasant Hill Pressure Zones Project (BIL-012S-25) b. Town of Pulaski's Water Treatment Plant Upgrades for Storm Resiliency Project (HMW-010-25) Discussion began on the Town of Pulaski PRV Subzones for the Needmore and Pleasant Hill Pressure Zones Project (BIL-012S-22), along with related water and sewer infrastructure funding. Manager Day explained that the town had applied for approximately $25 million in grant funding for the water treatment plant and $6 million for sewer upgrades, though these funds do not address broader distribution system needs. While the water quality produced by the treatment plant was described as excellent, the physical condition of the plant itself was noted as deteriorating, a concern acknowledged by the health department. Additional funding opportunities arose due to impacts from Hurricane Helene, resulting in the town being awarded $660,000 in principal forgiveness funding with no associated debt service. An additional $1,289,000 was also awarded for the Needmore project. These funds are tied to the installation of pressure -reducing valves (PRVs) necessary to bring a newly constructed water tank near Robinson Tract online. Both projects are fully funded, and council approval was required to formally accept and allocate the funds for their designated purposes. It was emphasized that the funds are restricted to the approved water infrastructure uses and cannot be redirected. Page 2 of 6/ February 3, 2026 Manager Day expressed optimism that the larger $25 million project could also receive significant principal forgiveness, potentially easing future water rate impacts. The motion was made by Vice -Mayor Dawson and seconded by Councilman Clark to approve accepting and the use of VDH funds in the amounts of $1,289,000 and $660,085 as written by the VDH. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Absent Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 11. Public Comment Period a. Marc LeBlanc addressed the council regarding snow removal, particularly on downtown sidewalks. He described ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety, especially on a main sidewalk leading from a parking lot to the courthouse that runs in front of his building. While he personally clears snow adjacent to his property, he explained that a remaining section of sidewalk often remains snow - and ice -covered, creating hazards for pedestrians who must either navigate icy conditions or walk in traffic. He emphasized that his concern was not personal inconvenience but public safety and accessibility. He further noted that snow -packed sidewalks and a lack of accessible parking were causing some businesses to effectively shut down, sending a discouraging message to taxpayers and business owners. He urged the town to view heavy snowfall events as a shared responsibility and to adopt a proactive plan that supports both pedestrians and local businesses. He also questioned the apparent inconsistency in sidewalk clearing along Main Street and asked the town to demonstrate a supportive posture toward those affected. In response, Manager Day acknowledged the concerns and agreed with the importance of sidewalk accessibility and economic vitality. He explained that past practices had limited sidewalk clearing but that this approach had changed. Despite being slow to start, public works had recently cleared over two miles of sidewalk, using aging equipment, including an almost 50-year-old Bobcat. It was noted that Main Street had been completely cleared prior to a second snowstorm, and crews were continuing to work through routes as conditions allowed. Manager Day apologized for the delays and reiterated their commitment to improving conditions. A follow-up discussion by Councilman Burchett addressed confusion over responsibility for sidewalk snow removal. While many local codes across Virginia place responsibility on property owners, Manager Day stated that in Page 3 of 6/ February 3, 2026 Pulaski, the town considers sidewalk clearing its responsibility and intends to continue doing so, regardless of what code provisions may state. The conversation concluded with a discussion of specific areas along Route 11 where pedestrians are forced into the roadway due to sidewalk conditions, underscoring the safety concerns raised during public comment. The discussion resumed with Manager Day reaffirming their commitment to improving sidewalk snow removal, acknowledging that both equipment limitations and time constraints significantly affect how quickly work can be completed. It was emphasized that the two back-to-back winter storms placed extraordinary strain on the public works department, with some employees working for days without going home and spending extensive time addressing ice conditions. Manager Day expressed frustration with public criticism on social media, noting that despite perceptions to the contrary, crews have been working continuously and diligently. Manager Day explained that outdated equipment, particularly an aging Bobcat estimated to be several decades old, has hindered efficiency. Plans are underway to address these shortcomings through the upcoming budget, which will include at least three new pieces of equipment to improve winter maintenance and overall public works capacity. While progress takes time, he reiterated their commitment to continued investment and improvement to better serve the town, especially as downtown residential density increases. Vice -Mayor Dawson discussed the possibility of acquiring specialized sidewalk snow removal equipment, referencing examples from northern cities such as Green Bay that use ride -behind sidewalk snowblowers. While acknowledging that Pulaski does not typically experience the same level of snowfall, Manager Day agreed that exploring equipment options that could ease the workload on public works staff and improve sidewalk conditions would be worthwhile. Manager Day confirmed that equipment upgrades, including a potential track -mounted machine, are already being considered as part of capital planning in the next budget cycle. Additional challenges were highlighted, including a nationwide salt shortage, which has forced the town to use its limited supply sparingly. Manager Day noted that once current salt reserves are depleted, no additional supplies are expected to be available, further complicating snow response efforts. Despite these constraints, public works crews, supported by the police department, have continued to address streets and sidewalks as effectively as possible. While acknowledging the difficulties, he stressed that these explanations were not excuses but context for the operational challenges faced. Page 4 of 6/ February 3, 2026 Mr. LeBlanc expressed appreciation for the hard work of the public works department, recognizing the long hours and demanding conditions. Manager Day indicated that this feedback would be shared with staff. Mayor Collins also discussed whether private contractors, particularly those who perform summer mowing services, could assist with winter snow removal. Manager Day confirmed that inquiries had already been made, but costs were high and alternatives were still being evaluated. It was reiterated that public works staff are highly capable, but limited by the tools currently available to them. Manager Day explained why Pulaski does not pre -treat roads with liquid de-icing chemicals, as some other jurisdictions do. Under Virginia's system, localities with populations under 3,500 have streets maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), which has greater resources and uses expensive liquid treatments. Pulaski, as a larger locality, is responsible for its own streets and does not currently use these chemicals due to cost, corrosiveness, and past practice. While pretreatment is not ruled out for the future, it has not been part of the town's historical or current approach. Councilman Burchett acknowledged that street conditions overall had been well managed with sand and salt, and emphasized that the primary concern remained sidewalk accessibility rather than road conditions. Manager Day noted that road widening often occurs after initial plowing, adding to the ongoing nature of snow response. The discussion returned to sidewalk maintenance responsibilities, with Manager Day reiterating that although past practice placed responsibility on property owners, the town is now taking a more active role due to safety and accessibility concerns, particularly near the courthouse. It was noted that this shift in practice will take time to fully implement and normalize. Comparisons were made to right-of-way mowing practices, where the town already assumes responsibility. Questions were raised by Mr. LeBlanc about whether the town has ordinances requiring residents to move parked vehicles to facilitate snow plowing, particularly in municipal parking lots. While it was unclear whether a specific code provision exists, there was agreement that clearer communication and cooperation from the public could improve snow removal efficiency, as parked cars often prevent full clearing of streets and lots. 12. Consent Agenda a. Consideration of January 20, 2026 Town Council Minutes The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Councilman Erickson to adopt the minutes as written. Page 5 of 6/ February 3, 2026 Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Absent Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Absent Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 13. Council Comments/ Board Updates During council comments, Councilman Clark and Vice -Mayor Dawson expressed appreciation for the public works department, referring to them as "heroes" for their efforts during the winter storms. Councilman Burchett raised questions about police reports, specifically regarding trespassing incidents, and asked whether current data could be compared to past periods. Police Chief Kelly stated that he did not yet have sufficient historical data but could provide it in the future. Councilman Clark offered anecdotal data suggesting that trespassing incidents are down compared to previous years, noting higher numbers during the COVID-19 period. Councilman Burchett questioned a report indicating that the town had been given dilapidated property along Route 11. Manager Day acknowledged the inquiry and indicated that a full update would be provided at a future meeting as part of a broader "Project Revitalized" agenda item. Mayor Collins concluded by reiterating appreciation for public works staff, emphasizing that their efforts often go unrecognized. 14. Manager's Report Manager Day indicated that there was nothing further to add to the manager's report, noting that the major topics had already been addressed earlier in the meeting. 15. Reminder of Future Council Meeting a. February 17, 2026; Budget Work Session 6:00 p.m./ Open Session 7:00 p.m./ Closed Session following Open Session 16. With no further business, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m. A EST (U� 1)(0-1 Olivia C. Hale Clerk of Council TOWN of PULASKI, VIRGINIA W. Shannon Collins Mayor Page 6 of 6/ February 3, 2026