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Town Council Meeting Minutes
February 17, 2026
1. The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and asked for a roll call.
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
2. Modification to Public 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) 1 (1 item)- Personnel
i. Appointments to Boards
b. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 8 (1 item)- Consultation with Legal Counsel
i. Horner Acre Farm LLC
The motion was made by Councilwoman Cope 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 Attorney Andrew
McBride, and Clerk of Council Ms. Hale.
4. The Budget Work Session, listed on the agenda, was not held.
7:00 p.m.
Open Session
5. 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 (1 item)- Personnel
i. Appointments to Boards
b. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 8 (1 item)- Consultation with Legal Counsel
i. Horner Acre Farm LLC
The motion was made by Vice -Mayor Dawson and seconded by Councilwoman Cope.
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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
6. Councilman Clark led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. Councilwoman Cope gave the invocation.
8. Mayor Collins welcomed all in attendance and those viewing online.
9. Modification to Public Session- The Mayor asked for a motion to add Resolution 2026-
08 Appointments to the BZA under item number seven.
The motion was made by Vice -Mayor Dawson 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
10. Presentations
a. John Hall- 5 Years of Service at the Town of Pulaski Fire Department
Mayor Collins presented that Lieutenant Hall began as a volunteer firefighter and
was soon hired as a part-time firefighter before advancing to a full-time career
position. He has demonstrated a strong commitment to training, mentoring
younger firefighters while introducing innovative techniques and approaches to
seasoned members.
Two years ago, Lt. Hall was named the department's training officer and has
since advanced through state requirements to teach state certification classes to
fellow firefighters. He also recently completed the Town's local government
leadership academy. The Council congratulated Lieutenant Hall on his service
and leadership, encouraging him to continue shaping the department's future.
Mayor Collins presented Lt. Hall with a years of service certificate.
b. Town of Pulaski Police Department Update- Chief W. Kelly
Chief Kelly noted he has served as chief for four weeks and outlined his plan to
review 2025 statistics, provide a snapshot of the department's current status, and
discuss future priorities.
Chief Kelly reported that 2025 was a very busy year. The department responded
to 3,700 calls for service initiated by citizens, most commonly involving
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suspicious people or vehicles, disturbances, fights, disorderly conduct, and
domestic issues. Additional calls included trespassing, larceny, burglary, fraud,
vandalism, and 113 incidents involving individuals in need of mental health
services. Although fewer in number, mental health -related calls often require
extended time commitments due to evaluations and transport to medical facilities.
Beyond dispatched calls, officers self -initiated 23,000 proactive activities, such as
checking suspicious individuals, patrolling trails, or monitoring areas affected by
crime trends. Officers also conducted 1,900 traffic stops. In total, officers handled
approximately 31,000 events in 2025, averaging 84 calls per day, or 42 per shift.
With two to three officers per shift, each officer handled roughly 17 calls per
shift, though some calls required multiple officers.
In enforcement actions, officers made 843 arrests resulting in 1,500 charges,
issued 1,400 traffic summonses, and gave 800 traffic warnings. Officers used
force 33 times during confrontations and euthanized injured or sick animals in 28
cases.
Under FBI Category A offenses, the department recorded one homicide (ruled
justified by the Commonwealth), 42 aggravated assaults, nine rapes, four
robberies, 74 burglaries, 183 thefts, and nine stolen vehicles. Category B offenses
included 107 vandalism reports, 171 narcotics offenses, 103 simple assaults, and
130 trespassing incidents.
Detectives were assigned 216 cases in 2025. The narcotics unit conducted search
warrants, arrested drug dealers, and seized drugs and cash. Investigators handled
serious cases, including child pornography, child molestation, death
investigations, stolen vehicles and firearms, and elder abuse.
Chief Kelly emphasized the department's strong training culture. Officers receive
required state training in firearms and use of force and are also encouraged to
pursue elective specialized training. Examples included attendance at a two -
month forensic academy in Roanoke for crime scene processing, narcotics
investigation training, FAA drone operator certification for the department's
drone, and instruction on handling child victims, individuals with dementia, and
de-escalation tactics.
Councilman Erickson asked about FBI statistics and whether the town continued
to rank high in violent crime. Chief Kelly explained that the final 2025 FBI data is
not yet available, and meaningful comparisons should be made with similar
jurisdictions based on demographics rather than national averages.
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Councilman Erickson also questioned mental health -related calls. Chief Kelly
confirmed there were 113 such calls in 2025 and noted the numbers appear
relatively consistent in recent years. He added that some individuals come to the
local hospital's behavioral health unit for treatment and may not be local
residents, yet require police response after release.
Councilman Burchett shifted the discussion to the department's transition from
SIG Sauer firearms to Glock pistols due to safety concerns about a specific SIG
model potentially discharging without the trigger being pulled. Chief Kelly
reported that the department has completed testing, purchased accessories, and is
awaiting delivery of the Glock firearms. Once received, the transition will occur
during spring firearms qualification. Councilman Burchett remarked on current
auction pricing reflecting diminished value of the SIG models and Vice -Mayor
Dawson commended the department's proactive work, especially the high number
of self -initiated activities.
Chief Kelly reiterated that the department fosters a culture of proactive policing
and responsible use of taxpayer resources. He provided a current staffing update;
the department has an authorized strength of 30 officers but is currently down two
positions. Two recruits are in the academy, and two officers are on light duty
under FMLA. Patrol operations are organized into four platoons, each with three
officers, maintaining a three -officer minimum per shift.
Chief Kelly continued his staffing update, explaining that patrol officers work 12-
hour shifts on a four -days -on, four -days -off rotation, covering most hours of the
day with a three -officer minimum. While patrol supervisors bring significant
experience, the department is currently young overall. On average, newer patrol
officers have about 12 months of service with the department.
He noted that these officers are under three-year contracts, meaning the
department will retain them for at least two more years. However, he emphasized
that his responsibility as chief is to create an environment that encourages them to
remain for the duration of their careers rather than viewing Pulaski as a short-term
assignment.
Chief Kelly outlined his top priority: retention. The department lost nine officers
the previous year, a significant loss for an agency with an authorized strength of
30. This turnover has contributed directly to the relative lack of experience within
the patrol division. He plans to focus on understanding what motivates officers,
what dissatisfies them, and what changes can be made to improve morale and
long-term commitment.
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He also intends to implement a more data -driven approach to policing. This
includes identifying crime "hotspots," targeting individuals with outstanding
warrants who may be contributing to ongoing criminal activity, and directing
officers' proactive efforts more strategically. Rather than simply responding to
calls or initiating activity broadly, the goal is to align the department's 23,000
annual self -initiated actions with measurable community safety concerns.
Externally, Chief Kelly plans to strengthen relationships with stakeholders,
including residents and business owners, to address quality -of -life issues. He also
wants to better connect vulnerable populations with available services, aiming to
provide support that improves individual circumstances and reduces repeated
police involvement.
c. Project Revitalize Update- Shannon Ainsley, Town of Pulaski Economic
Developer
Ms. Ainsley began by explaining that blighted homes create a chain reaction
affecting community morale, neighboring property values, and the local economy.
Using a real example averaged over a 10-year vacancy period, she detailed the
financial burden on the town: $3,900 in unpaid property taxes, $10,000 in liens
for mowing and securing the property, $4,000 in attorney fees, and an estimated
$18,000 demolition cost. Additionally, there are indirect costs, including police
responses and code enforcement actions. Over 10 years, such a property results in
an estimated $35,900 cost or loss to the town, averaging $3,590 per year in
expenses and lost revenue.
She then compared those losses to the cost of revitalizing a property. In one
example, demolition costs $18,000, construction of a new home costs $208,000,
and sales -related costs total $22,000, bringing the total to $248,000. If the home is
sold at that amount, the town recoups its investment, resulting in no net budget
loss.
She emphasized the broader economic impact: once revitalized, the property
contributes positively to the local economy. Estimated annual contributions
include approximately $650 in improved property value impact, $225 in property
taxes, and roughly $182 per year in sales tax based on modest weekly spending.
Altogether, revitalization generates an estimated $1,057 annually in positive
economic return. Over time, this reverses the financial drain caused by blight and
helps stabilize surrounding properties.
Ms. Ainsley reported that Project Revitalize is ongoing, with collaboration
underway with developers to rebuild homes and return properties to productive
use. She addressed a question raised by Councilman Burchett about 1617 Lee
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Highway, a property recently acquired by the town. The former owner voluntarily
transferred it, believing the town could better utilize it. The property includes two
vacant, blighted homes located near occupied residences. Plans are to improve
that area and move forward with redevelopment.
In most cases, the town intends to replace blighted homes with new residences
unless a unique circumstance suggests another community benefit, such as a small
park.
Councilman Burchett raised questions about how developers are selected and
whether opportunities are broadly shared. Ms. Ainsley explained that the town is
not auctioning properties or attempting to generate profit. Instead, the goal is to
ensure homes are rebuilt and returned to productive use.
Currently, the town is working with a limited number of developers capable of
financially sustaining the construction of homes valued at around $250,000.
Developers must front construction costs and provide a 100% performance bond
with a defined timeline. She noted that many potential developers lack the capital
to carry out such projects.
In one case under the ARS program, the town funded construction directly,
meaning the property is currently a liability until sold. Moving forward, the intent
is to minimize reliance on local tax dollars for building homes, except where
previously approved programs apply.
Councilman Burchett stressed the importance of fairness and equal opportunity,
expressing concern that the process should not favor a single developer without
public awareness. Ms. Ainsley responded that the town is open to working with
additional qualified developers and welcomed interested parties who can meet the
financial and bonding requirements.
Manager Day added context to the challenges of addressing severely dilapidated
homes in the Town of Pulaski. He explained that prior councils and
administrations were aware of the issue, but remediation involves significant legal
and financial complexities. Condemning and demolishing a structure does not
automatically transfer ownership of the underlying property, which can leave the
town responsible for ongoing maintenance costs like mowing without gaining
control of the land.
He stressed that Project Revitalize is a proactive effort designed to prevent greater
long-term financial losses, even though it requires upfront investment and legal
navigation. The process is complicated and would have been implemented long
ago if it were simple.
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Vice -Mayor Dawson emphasized an additional benefit of revitalization beyond
the tax figures presented. While Ms. Ainsley highlighted property and meals tax
revenue, Vice -Mayor Dawson noted that each rehabilitated home brings new
residents who actively support local businesses. Every occupied house represents
another family contributing to the town's commercial base, strengthening the
long-term viability of local shops and services.
He further stressed the importance of maximizing the program's capacity. Given
the complexity of redevelopment, the town should keep opportunities open to
additional developers and pursue any feasible avenues to accelerate progress.
Within the town's control, every effort should be made to "keep the wheel
spinning" and ensure that properties are being prepared and marketed efficiently.
Ms. Ainsley responded by noting that the town recently met with the New River
Valley (NRV) Homebuilders Association. The Project Revitalize initiative drew
attention from that group, and a builder contacted her the following day to discuss
participation. She reported that additional conversations are scheduled, indicating
that word of the program is spreading and generating interest within the
development community.
Councilwoman Cope asked about the criteria used to determine when a property
qualifies as blight, acknowledging that individual perceptions may differ from the
town's legal standards. Ms. Ainsley explains that the primary criterion is danger
to the public. Properties are targeted when they present safety hazards, such as
structural instability or unsecured access that could endanger children or others.
She referenced a recently demolished structure where loose tin roofing posed a
serious risk. Many such properties are formally condemned before action is taken.
She also noted that the process can be lengthy and legally complex, making it
impossible to address every deteriorated property at once. The town prioritizes the
most hazardous cases first.
d. Recognition of Black History Month- Mickey Hickman
Dr. Hickman began by noting that February is Black History Month and stated
that the purpose of the remarks is to provide insight and perspective rather than
overwhelm the audience with facts. Drawing on experience speaking about local
history, he highlighted a striking statistic from the 1840 census of Pulaski County:
out of approximately 9,000 residents, 3,000 were enslaved individuals. This
significant proportion of enslaved people was unexpected and underscores the
county's deep historical ties to slavery.
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He recounted the story of an enslaved woman in Newbern, Virginia, who was
granted her freedom upon her owner's death. However, the sheriff of Pulaski
County reportedly ordered her to leave within 30 days, citing concern that free
Black individuals might influence the enslaved population. Facing the prospect of
leaving her family behind to seek freedom in the North, she chose instead to sell
herself back into slavery. The story illustrates the harsh and complex realities
faced by enslaved individuals, even when freedom was legally granted.
Dr. Hickman explained that while the Underground Railroad is commonly
associated with more organized networks in eastern Virginia, Western Virginia
also played a role in escape routes. Enslaved individuals fleeing from southern
states such as South Carolina and North Carolina often followed waterways as
navigational guides. The Little River, which flows into the New River, became a
natural route northward. By following the New River toward the Ohio River,
fugitives could eventually reach free states, with Ohio symbolizing freedom.
Shifting to cultural history, Dr. Hickman reflected on childhood advice from a
parent to learn proper English and avoid stereotypes about broken speech. He
explained that enslaved Africans brought to America came from diverse regions
and spoke different languages, making communication among themselves
difficult. Slave owners only required enough English proficiency for obedience,
not fluency or formal education. As a result, generations of Black Americans
developed speech patterns shaped by limited formal instruction and by cultural
adaptation.
Dr. Hickman described how enslaved people developed coded language to
communicate privately in the fields, a tradition that evolved into distinct cultural
expressions. In the 20th century, this included jazz -era slang such as "cool cat"
and "copacetic," and later hip -hop dialogue. He noted that specialized language
exists in many communities, such as sports teams or law enforcement, and
emphasized that such linguistic patterns are cultural, not exclusive to any one
group.
He referenced the reported death that morning of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson,
describing his distinctive rhetorical style rooted in the traditions of Black
ministers, often employing rhyme and rhythm. Jackson is noted for standing
alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement.
Dr. Hickman concluded by discussing Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam,
formally known as "The Lost -Found Nation of Islam in the Wilderness of North
America." Malcolm X advocated for Black unity and separatism, promoting the
idea of establishing a separate Black nation within the United States. He
encouraged followers to reject "slave names," leading prominent figures such as
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Cassius Clay becoming Muhammad Ali and Lew Alcindor becoming Kareem
Abdul-Jabbar.
Contrasting Malcolm X's philosophy with Dr. King's nonviolent approach, Dr.
Hickman explained that Malcolm X rejected passive resistance and criticized
Christian teachings that emphasized turning the other cheek. His speeches,
including the well-known line "We didn't land on Plymouth Rock; Plymouth
Rock landed on us," resonated strongly with young Black men and women. He
encouraged pride in African heritage, influencing cultural expressions such as
Afro hairstyles, African -inspired clothing, and distinctive handshakes.
Dr. Hickman noted that while Dr. King achieved broader legislative and societal
change, Malcolm X's message instilled a sense of identity, pride, and
empowerment among Black Americans, shaping cultural consciousness during
the civil rights era.
He explained how many Black men once tried to straighten their hair with
chemicals because they felt pressured to conform to white standards and were
made to feel ashamed of their natural hair. He described how Malcolm X
encouraged Black individuals to be proud of who they were, including their
natural hair. The Afro hairstyle emerged from this movement as a symbol of pride
and self -acceptance. He emphasized that Malcolm X gave people a renewed sense
of identity and confidence in embracing their heritage.
He expressed hope that his historical "snippets" provided context for
understanding the present. He stated that he believes the community is currently
in a good place, noting that while there may be occasional trepidation, the races
generally get along well. He described Pulaski County as a positive place for him
and his family to grow up. He apologized for not delivering a more formal
presentation but explained that he had simply been asked to share insight and
perspective.
11. Voting Items
a. Resolution 2026-07 Affirming Commitment to Fund the Locality Share of
Projects Under Agreement with the Virginia Department of Transportation and
Provide Signature Authority
Manager Day explained that for projects involving agencies such as DHCD,
CDBG, ARF, or VDOT, the locality must formally recognize the town manager's
authority to sign agreements, even if that authority is already outlined in the town
charter. He clarified that the language was provided and approved by VDOT and
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functions as a blanket statement for applicable projects, including upcoming
bridge work.
The motion was made by Vice -Mayor Dawson and seconded by Councilman
Clark to adopt Resolution 2026-07.
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
b. Resolution 2026-08 Appointing an Alternate Member to the Town of Pulaski
Board of Zoning Appeals
The motion was made by Councilwoman Cope and seconded by Councilman
Clark to adopt Resolution 2026-08.
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- There were no discussions.
13. Public Comment Period- No speaker slips were submitted for public comment.
14. Consent Agenda
a. Consideration of February 3, 2026 Town Council 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- Abstained Mayor Collins- Aye
Sunshine N. Cope- Abstained Steven W. Erickson- Aye
Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye
15. Council Comments & Board Updates
Councilman Clark thanked Dr. Hickman for his presentation.
Councilwoman Cope thanked the Public Works Department for their work during the
recent snowstorms.
Vice -Mayor Dawson thanked all the presenters.
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Councilman Erickson asked Dr. Hickman to elaborate on the quilt event.
Dr. Hickman described an upcoming documentary about a historic 1947 lawsuit, Corbin
et al. v. the County Board of Education for Pulaski County. Dr. Percy Corbin and his son,
Mahatma Corbin, along with 23 other Black parents representing 54 children, sued the
school board over unequal educational opportunities and the lack of a Black high school
in the county. At the time, white students attended high schools in Pulaski, Draper, and
Dublin, while Black students were required to travel to Christiansburg Institute.
Although the case was initially lost in federal district court in Roanoke in spring 1948, it
was appealed to Baltimore, Maryland, where attorneys from the NAACP prevailed. The
NAACP played a major role in advancing civil rights through the court system,
complementing the protest strategies of leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr.. The
Pulaski case became one of the early legal victories of the Civil Rights Movement.
Dr. Hickman explained that "et al." means "and others," and the quilt project was created
to recognize those additional families. The quilt contains 24 squares, one title square and
23 honoring each family involved. The Quilting Association in Draper created the quilt,
and the project was sponsored by Virginia Tech. A documentary titled "A House Stitched
Together" will air at the Pulaski Theatre on February 28 at 6:00 p.m., free of charge.
Councilman Burchett reflected on the first day of school integration, stating that he did
not observe significant problems at the time. He credited Leon Clark for helping foster a
positive transition and acknowledged his contributions to the community.
Additional thanks were extended from Mayor Collins for the evening's presentations and
to town employees, including street crews, police, and fire personnel, for their service.
16. Manager's Report
Manager Day provided an update on Gatewood Reservoir, noting that, as a newcomer to
the community, he was initially concerned about water levels dropping 17-20 feet.
However, he was reassured that such fluctuations occur periodically. Following a recent
rainstorm, the reservoir rose nearly six feet in a couple of weeks. He stated that the issue
appears to be resolving and that steps will continue to be taken regarding the integration
of the James Hardie water system as conditions stabilize.
17. Reminder of Future Council Meeting
a. March 3, 2026; Closed Session 6:00 p.m.; Open Session 7:00 p.m.
18. With no further business, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 7:55 p.m.
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