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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-17-26 Town Council Meeting Minutes March 17, 2026 1. The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. and asked for a roll call. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Aye Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope-Absent Steven W. Erickson-Absent 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) 1 (1 item): Personnel i. Appointments to Boards b. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 29 (1 item): Contract Negotiations i. Calfee Community and Cultural Center c. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 8 (1 item): Consultation with Legal Counsel i. Worrell vs. Town of Pulaski The motion was made by Councilman Clontz and seconded by Councilman Clark. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz-Aye Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope-Absent Steven W. Erickson-Absent Brooks R. Dawson-Aye Joel B. Burchett-Aye The following councilmembers and staff entered into Closed Session: Councilman Clark, Vice-Mayor Dawson, Councilman Clontz, Councilman Burchett, Mayor Collins, Human Resources, Jackie Reid, Town Attorney, Andrew McBride, and Clerk of Council, Ms. Hale. Councilman Erickson joined the Closed Session at 6:12 p.m. 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 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) 29 (1 item): Contract Negotiations i. Calfee Community and Cultural Center c. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 8 (1 item): Consultation with Legal Counsel i. Worrell vs. Town of Pulaski 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-Absent Steven W. Erickson-Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 5. Councilman Clontz 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-No modifications were made. 9. Presentations a. Zoning Amendment, Rural Residential- Steve Semones, Senior Director. Land Development, Westwood Mr. Semones, Senior Director of Land Development with Westwood (formerly Balzer&Associates),presented an introductory overview of a proposed zoning text amendment. He began by briefly updating the council on progress related to a separate 170-acre development project, noting that initial phase plans are underway. He explained that the purpose of his presentation is to preview a forthcoming public hearing regarding a proposed amendment to the Rural Residential (RR) zoning district. The amendment would permit the establishment of permanent farm stores, which are currently not permitted under existing zoning regulations. Mr. Semones outlined the reasoning behind the proposal, noting that the Town of Pulaski lacks an agricultural zoning district, which is somewhat unusual compared to other localities in Virginia. While many towns retain agricultural zoning as a legacy designation, Pulaski does not; therefore, the Rural Residential district is the closest fit for accommodating agricultural-related uses, such as farm stands. Currently,the zoning code allows only temporary farm stands, such as mobile or trailer-based setups. The proposed amendment would introduce language permitting permanent structures. He explained that the draft amendment, included in the council's packet, highlights proposed changes in blue text and is intended to align with the town's comfort level regarding agricultural uses while supporting local economic opportunities. The proposed zoning changes address several regulatory aspects, including the origin of goods sold, building size limitations, setbacks, and parking requirements. In determining acceptable sourcing distances, the proposal mirrors existing rules used for the town's farmers market vendors, allowing goods from within a defined regional radius. Mr. Semones also referenced updates to Article 5 of the development regulations to ensure consistency with parking standards. Additionally, he provided a GIS map showing the limited areas currently zoned as Rural Residential, primarily located in the southeastern portion of town. He noted that the property prompting this proposal is actually on the north side, meaning a rezoning request would likely follow if the amendment is approved. During the council discussion, Councilman Burchett expressed immediate reservations about the proposal. He stated that he was not expecting to consider a farm store and is not currently convinced it is appropriate. He highlighted concerns from residents in the affected area, noting that some have lived there for decades and invested significantly in maintaining the character of their R1-zoned neighborhood. He emphasized his duty to uphold existing laws and represent constituent interests, indicating opposition unless persuaded otherwise. Vice-Mayor Dawson asked several technical questions about the proposed amendment. One question addressed the origin of goods requirement, specifically the 75-mile radius, which Mr. Semones confirmed is based on existing farmers' market standards. Another question concerned the proposed 4,000-square-foot building size, which is noted to be smaller than similar allowances in other localities (often up to 5,000 square feet), though the council input could adjust this figure. Additional discussion focused on parking regulations, including a possible typographical error in the ordinance reference and clarification on how parking surface requirements would apply. Mr. Semones explained that exceptions are included for farm markets to allow more flexible surface materials unless a certain number of spaces is exceeded. Questions about required parking quantities for such a use remain unresolved at this stage. Mr. Semones concluded by reiterating that this is an initial briefing and that formal applications and public hearings will follow. 10. Discussions a. Virginia Department of Emergency Management Update-Austin Painter, Project Engineer, Town of Pulaski Engineering Department Mr. Painter provided an update on funding received through FEMA and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) following recent natural disasters, including Hurricane Helene and subsequent February flooding. He explained that the town has submitted and received multiple funding allocations to cover emergency response costs. For Hurricane Helene, one project (Project 295)provided$22,661.28 to cover generator usage and employee labor at the water filtration plant and raw water systems. Another project (Project 104) awarded $59,242 to address increased flow issues at the 4A pump station, which required emergency repairs and additional staff time. He then began outlining funding related to the February flooding, noting that one contract provided $43,121.44 to cover associated expenses, including employee time, with further details to follow in the continuation of the report. Mr. Painter continued detailing funding received in response to the February flooding. He explained that approximately one foot of standing water entered the municipal building's basement, and the $43,000 allocation covered both physical damages and employee labor associated with response and cleanup efforts. An additional contract provided $50,585.61 to address further flood-related damages. These include washouts along Dora Trail and damage to infrastructure at the bike park, such as displaced gravel, dirt, and fixtures. These funds are intended to reimburse the town for both repair costs and associated labor. In total,the town has secured $152,949.05 in confirmed funding from federal and state sources across all contracts discussed. Additionally, one FEMA mitigation project remains pending, which would fund preventative improvements to the municipal basement to reduce the risk of future flooding. This anticipated award is estimated at approximately $50,000. If approved, the total funding received and expected would reach around $200,000. Mr. Painter concluded by offering to answer questions,though none were raised, and council members expressed appreciation for the update. 11. Public Comment Period-No speakers were present. 12. Consent Agenda a. Consideration of March 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- Absent Steven W. Erickson-Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 13. Council Comments & Board Updates Councilman Clark commended the Public Works Department for effectively handling numerous recent water main breaks, acknowledging their strong performance under challenging conditions. Vice-Mayor Dawson revisited the earlier discussion regarding proposed changes to the Rural Residential (RR1) zoning district. He emphasized the importance of distinguishing between two separate issues: first, whether the zoning ordinance itself should be amended to allow uses like farm stores, and second, whether a specific property should be rezoned. He stressed that these are fundamentally different decisions and should be evaluated independently. He further noted that any rezoning consideration must involve input from adjacent property owners to assess community impact. Vice-Mayor Dawson also inquired about upcoming Easter events. Ms. Reid confirmed that an Easter event is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in partnership with the Ruritans. The event will include door prizes, a large number of filled plastic eggs prepared by the Senior Center, and refreshments such as hot cocoa and coffee, with sponsorship support from GFL. Ms. Reid indicated that preparations are well 111 in hand and no additional support is currently needed. Councilman Erickson agreed with earlier remarks by Vice-Mayor Dawson, distinguishing zoning text amendments from specific rezoning cases. He reiterated that the proposed changes are intended to refine and clarify zoning definitions rather than benefit a single property owner. He also raised concerns about potholes, noting that recent weather has caused significant road deterioration. He specifically mentioned large potholes on Bob White Boulevard, which have already been reported. Councilman Burchett responded to earlier comments by clarifying his concerns about the potential implications of the farm store proposal. He explained that the term "farm store," introduced by the presenter, could involve rezoning property currently designated as R1 and surrounded by residential homes. He stressed the importance of transparency and informing residents about possible future proposals that could affect their neighborhoods. He noted that while discussions are still preliminary, the public should be aware that such proposals may come forward for consideration,potentially involving votes and further deliberation. He underscored his responsibility to keep constituents informed, even though he does not yet have enough information to support or oppose a specific rezoning action. Mayor Collins added that zoning decisions will ultimately be handled on a case-by-case basis, with the broader goal of ensuring zoning regulations are appropriate before evaluating individual requests. He then highlighted positive economic development news, noting that a recently opened brewery has significantly increased local activity. One restaurant reportedly experienced its busiest night since opening during the brewery's ribbon-cutting event, illustrating the broader economic benefits of such developments. He reflected on how perceptions of Pulaski are changing, with people now traveling to the town specifically for attractions like the brewery. He expressed optimism about continued incremental progress in economic growth and visibility. 14. Manager's Report-No report was given. 15. Reminder of Future Council Meeting a. April 7, 2026; Closed Session 6:00 p.m.; Open Session 7:00 p.m. 16. With no further business,the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 7:25 p.m. TOWN of PULASKI, VIRGINIA W. Shannon Collins Mayor ATTEST Olivia C'H Hale Clerk of Council