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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-02-2611 Town Council Meeting Minutes June 2, 2026 1. The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:31 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. Modification to Closed Session- No modifications were made. 3. The Mayor asked for a motion to enter into Closed Session to discuss the following item: a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (1 item): Personnel i. Town Manager The motion was made by Vice -Mayor Dawson and seconded by Councilman Clontz. 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 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, and Town Attorney, Andrew McBride. 7:00 p.m. Open Session 4. Certification of Closed Session- The Mayor asked for a motion to certify that only the following item was discussed during Closed Session: a. VA Code 2.2-3711 (A) 1 (1 item): Personnel i. Town Manager The motion was made by Vice -Mayor Dawson and seconded by Councilwoman Cope. 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 5. Vice -Mayor Dawson led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 6. Councilwoman Cope gave the invocation. 7. Mayor Collins welcomed all in attendance and those viewing online. 8. Modification to Public Session- No modifications were made. 9. Presentations a. Fine Arts Center- Brandon Phillips, Executive Director, Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley Mr. Phillips thanked the Town Council for its fiscal year 2026 grant funding and emphasized the importance of the Town's support in sustaining arts programming and community engagement. He noted that the funding benefits residents and visitors alike by supporting concerts, festivals, gallery receptions, and educational programming. Mr. Phillips highlighted the success of the previous year's Rhythm by the Rails Festival, which featured musicians, food vendors, children's art activities, artist demonstrations, and strong community participation. He announced that the festival would return on August Bch and is expected to be as large and successful as the previous year, continuing to draw hundreds of visitors into Pulaski. He also discussed the First Friday concert series, which runs from fall through spring, noting that the final concert featuring the Jack Henshaw Band achieved the highest attendance in the history of the series and helped attract visitors to the area. Additional programming included a winter concert at the Pulaski Theatre featuring several regional performers and a special fortepiano concert by Daniel Adam Waltz, who performed works by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven on a historic -style instrument from Vienna, Austria. Mr. Phillips explained that the Fine Arts Center also expanded its educational offerings through affordable and often free classes in photography, painting, needle felting, wood burning, and other artistic disciplines. The Youth Creative Club continued to grow significantly and remained free for local participants. A major accomplishment during the year was the launch of an artist entrepreneurship program that had been in development for several years. The inaugural eight -session cohort included 80 participants. The Fine Arts Center plans to continue supporting these artists through exhibition opportunities and participation in future festivals, with the goal of helping creative entrepreneurs contribute to Pulaski's economy while advancing their artistic careers. Mr. Phillips also described a variety of exhibitions held throughout the year, including Youth Art Month and a solo exhibition by Sarah Hastie Williams that featured poetry readings and live harp music. The organization's Scholastic Art Awards program received more than 430 submissions and displayed over 180 award - winning works from students across Southwest Virginia. Mr. Phillips concluded by emphasizing the organization's role in promoting tourism, supporting economic development, fostering creativity, and encouraging young artists throughout the region. b. Pulaski Area Transit- Monica Musick, Director of Programs/ Transit Manager, Pulaski Area Transit Ms. Musick provided an operational update and announced the upcoming annual golf tournament, noting that additional teams and hole sponsors were still being sought. Staff successfully secured enough donated door prizes, water, and sponsorships to avoid purchasing prizes for the event. The agency also participated in the Family Fun Festival at Jackson Park and continues to engage the public to increase awareness of recently expanded routes and new bus stops throughout the community. Particular attention has been given to promoting stops at the Pulaski Loft Apartments, 99 Plaza, Pulaski Health and Rehabilitation Center, and the intersection of Fourth and Pierce Streets. The transit system continues to advertise these locations through outreach efforts and posted notices. Drivers were commended for their safe service and dedication to transporting residents throughout the town. Ms. Musick reported that the six -year improvement plan had not yet received final approval, but preliminary recommendations included all requested grant items. Final approval was expected within a few weeks, after which a report would be provided to Town officials. Budget performance remained on target, although staff continues to closely monitor fuel costs because of market uncertainty. She suggested returning to Council around the third Tuesday in October, after the fiscal year ends on September 30, to provide more complete year-end financial information. Pulaski Police Department DCJS Grant- Chief Kelly, Town of Pulaski Police Department Chief Kelly presented information regarding a successful grant application founded by the Police Department. Administrative Manager, Sonia Ramsey, identified an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant that provided up to $25,000 for public safety technology and equipment. At the same time, the department was evaluating an upgrade to its records management system. Because the Pulaski County Joint 9-1-1 Center had already committed to adopting Southern Software, the Police Department faced the choice of upgrading to maintain interoperability or operating separate, disconnected systems. Chief Kelly explained that maintaining integration with the 9-1-1 Center is critical because officers rely on shared dispatch information, criminal justice databases, reports, and investigative records. Without the upgrade, officers would lose direct access to information transmitted through dispatch and other law enforcement databases, resulting in inefficient and isolated record systems. However, the software transition carried a cost exceeding $100,000 spread across two fiscal years. Assistant Chief Parmelee prepared and submitted the grant application, emphasizing the operational and financial benefits of the upgrade. The application included support from the Joint 9-1-1 Center Director. In May, the department was notified that it had been awarded the full $25,000 grant, requiring an $8,333 in -kind local match. Chief Kelly praised the teamwork involved in securing the funding and stated that the grant would improve departmental effectiveness while reducing costs to taxpayers. i. Resolution 2026-18 Appropriating Grant Funds The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Councilwoman Cope to adopt Resolution 2026-18 as written. 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 10, Public Hearing a. Proposed Water Rates for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Manager Day explained that the public hearing on water rates for fiscal year 2026-2027 had to be re -advertised because of an error in the original public notice. He reminded the Council that the budget discussions had already covered the General Fund and Sewer Fund, and that this hearing focused specifically on water rates. The proposed increases are part of a multi -year strategy that originally anticipated approximately 25% annual increases over three consecutive years to address significant infrastructure needs. He emphasized that the purpose of the increases is to ensure a reliable water supply for future generations by funding upgrades to an aging and deteriorating water treatment system. While infrastructure improvements are necessary, he noted that the Town continues to maintain excellent water quality and has recently received another water quality award. The proposed inside -town water rates were reviewed, with rates structured by usage tiers. For customers inside town limits, rates would be $6.79 per thousand gallons for usage between 1 and 10,000 gallons, $8.78 per thousand gallons for usage between 10,001 and 50,000 gallons, $14.44 per thousand gallons for usage between 50,000 and 680,000 gallons, and $4.17 per thousand gallons for usage above 680,000 gallons. Corresponding outside -town rates were listed as $8.49, $10.98, $18.06, and $5.21 per thousand gallons for the same usage tiers. Mayor Collins then formally read the public hearing notice into the record. Mayor Collins opened the public hearing. Melinda Musick expressed strong opposition to the proposed rate increases. She argued that residents are already struggling financially and questioned what she viewed as excessive spending within the Town budget. Ms. Musick criticized what she perceived as a large amount of miscellaneous funding and argued that residents should not face additional utility costs when many are already having difficulty affording necessities. She stated that increasing water, trash, and other fees would place additional burdens on citizens and warned that continued increases could lead to public dissatisfaction with local government. Throughout her remarks, she repeatedly urged the Council to stop raising taxes and fees and to prioritize direct assistance for residents facing financial hardship. The second speaker, Brian Martin, stated that he and his wife had recently purchased a home in Pulaski because they believed in the Town's future and wanted to be part of its growth. While expressing optimism about the community and appreciation for assistance they had received from local organizations, he asked the Council to reconsider the proposed water rate increase. Mr. Martin acknowledged that some residents may be able to absorb the additional cost but emphasized that others may struggle. He requested that the Council explore alternatives or revisions to the proposal and stated that every household operates within a budget and faces financial limitations. After no additional speakers came forward, the Mayor closed the public hearing. Council members discussed the actual impact of the proposed increases on customer bills. Councilman Erickson asked for clarification regarding the combined effect of increases to both the consumption rate and the base service charge. Manager Day explained that the commonly referenced 19% increase represented an average across the rate structure and that some tiers would experience higher increases while others would see lower increases. He compared the current and proposed rates, noting that the first usage tier would increase from $5.72 to $6.79 per thousand gallons, while the base rate would increase from $27.74 to $33.09. Manager Day acknowledged that a more detailed calculation could be provided later but reiterated that the overall increase averaged approximately 19%, which was lower than the originally anticipated 25% increase. As a practical example, Councilman Burchett estimated that his own monthly water bill would increase by approximately $6.00 to $6.75 when both the base charge and water consumption were considered. 11. Voting Items Before the vote, Vice -Mayor Dawson addressed comments made during the public hearing and emphasized that there were no unrestricted or miscellaneous pools of money available for discretionary spending. He stated that every budget line item is carefully reviewed and scrutinized by staff and officials to determine the funding necessary to provide services expected by citizens. Vice -Mayor Dawson further stated that no one on the Council welcomes utility rate increases and that the proposed increases were not being pursued casually. He explained that the Town faces critical infrastructure needs involving water lines, treatment facilities, pumping systems, and other essential components of the water system. According to his remarks, the Town's staff had thoroughly evaluated ways to reduce costs and maximize efficiency, but significant investments could no longer be postponed without risking the reliability of the system. He stressed that rate increases are directly tied to specific infrastructure needs and are not generating excess funds. In his view, the budget addresses only critical projects that had been deferred for too long and are now necessary to preserve essential public services. Mayor Collins echoed these sentiments, noting that while nobody wants higher taxes or fees, infrastructure improvements can no longer be delayed. a. Resolution 2026-19 Adopting a Budget Establishing Appropriations for the Town of Pulaski, Virginia for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027 The motion was made by Councilman Clark and seconded by Vice -Mayor Dawson to adopt Resolution 2026-19 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 b. Resolution 2026-20 Adopting Sewer Rates for FY 2026-2027 The motion was made by Councilwoman Cope and seconded by Councilman Clark to adopt Resolution 2026-20 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. Discussion(s) a. Temporary Housing Definition 0" Manager Day opened the discussion regarding the proposed temporary housing development definition and addressed an email he had previously sent concerning the matter. He explained that the email had been written in response to questions from legal counsel regarding the public hearing process. He clarified that his comments reflected his opinion that the proposal, as currently drafted, still required additional work before proceeding through the full public hearing process required by state law and the Town Charter. He noted that two public hearings would ultimately be necessary, including one involving the Planning Commission, unless a joint hearing were conducted. Manager Day explained that several zoning districts would need to be carefully evaluated because the proposal could potentially affect a substantial portion of the Town's zoning framework. Since the use would require a special exception permit, he wanted to ensure that the ordinance was drafted consistently and fairly so that similar organizations, churches, or facilities would be treated equally across the community. He emphasized that his goal was to avoid future disputes in which one applicant might question why another organization received approval under different standards. To accomplish that, he wanted additional time to consult with staff, attorneys, and department heads and to develop language that clearly reflected the Council's intentions while remaining legally defensible and consistently applicable. He repeatedly stated that he believed the issue could be resolved within a reasonable time but that it could not be completed overnight. Questions were raised by Councilman Clark regarding the amount of staff and legal effort required. Manager Day acknowledged that much of the review would involve building and fire code considerations rather than zoning alone, and that any ordinance changes require careful evaluation. Councilman Burchett expressed concern that the Council was potentially spending public funds on legal work for a proposal that he believed was fundamentally misguided. He argued that allowing temporary housing facilities in residential areas could negatively affect nearby homeowners and property values. He reiterated objections he had expressed at previous meetings and formally moved to rescind the Council's prior vote authorizing the process to move forward, thereby nullifying the previous action. The motion received a second from Councilman Clark. During the discussion of the motion, Councilwoman Cope questioned what practical difference the proposed ordinance would make, noting that any temporary housing facility would still require a special exception permit even if the definition were adopted. Manager Day responded that the ordinance would create a framework under which applicants could seek special exception approval, while also providing clearer standards and consistency for future decisions. He emphasized that his objective was not simply to create a definition but to establish a process that would allow Council to evaluate applications fairly and uniformly. Additional debate followed regarding whether the proposal was merely a definitional change or whether it represented a broader zoning amendment. 1 Councilman Erickson argued that the current proposal only sought to establish a definition and that agencies interested in providing temporary housing could not even begin the application process without such a definition. He expressed frustration that delaying the definition would postpone efforts to address homelessness and emergency shelter needs, potentially pushing action into another cold -weather season without meaningful progress. He characterized the delay as a stalling tactic and warned that other development projects would likely receive faster consideration than an issue that had already been discussed for more than a year. Manager Day reiterated that he was acting on Council's direction and simply wanted to ensure that any ordinance adopted would be thorough, fair, and legally sound. The motion was made by Councilman Burchett and seconded by Councilman Clark to rescind the vote that the Council took approving the definition and render it null and void. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Nay Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Nay Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 13. Public Comment Period Terrie Sternberg of N. Washington Avenue addressed the Council by complimenting the Town's contractor, Turner Properties, for the quality of mowing and maintenance work being performed in Town parks and on public properties. However, she noted a concern about mowing frequency at Sixth Street Park, where she lives nearby. According to Ms. Sternberg, the grass often remains too tall between mowing cycles, and she suggested that intervals of approximately ten days between mowings were excessive for a public park. While she praised the care and attention shown by the contractor, she encouraged the Town to monitor mowing schedules more closely. Ms. Sternberg then expressed disappointment regarding the Council's action on the temporary housing issue, stating that delaying the process effectively prevented the public from participating in a discussion that she believes remains important. She emphasized that the community continues to face significant challenges related to homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, trauma, and other circumstances that leave residents socially and economically vulnerable. She informed the Council of an upcoming training session sponsored by the Virginia Housing Alliance that would take place on June 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The training would focus on affordable housing, homelessness reduction, and community ollaboration. Ms. Sternberg described a film that would be presented during the session, ighlighting successful efforts in Williamsburg to bring together organizations and esources to assist vulnerable populations. She noted that the Williamsburg model emonstrates that addressing homelessness is not solely about housing or shelters, but also about coordinating partnerships among agencies and service providers to assist people dealing with mental illness, substance abuse, unemployment, family caregiving responsibilities, and other barriers to stability. Continuing her remarks, Ms. Sternberg described examples from the film and training program she had referenced, noting that many of the collaborative approaches highlighted in Williamsburg already have parallels in Pulaski. She cited the example of a coffee shop serving as a gathering place and pointed to similar community -oriented efforts already occurring locally, including activities associated with the Ripple Effect at Broussard's General Store. Ms. Sternberg emphasized that Pulaski already possesses many of the ingredients needed to support vulnerable residents and that greater collaboration among existing organizations could further strengthen those efforts. She also noted that the Fine Arts Center presentation had omitted mention of a new mural being painted on the building and encouraged everyone to follow the project and the planned time-lapse video documenting its creation. Before concluding, she reiterated her disappointment that the earlier motion concerning temporary housing had been rescinded. 14. Consent Agenda a. Consideration of May 19, 2026 Town Council Minutes The motion was made by Councilwoman Cope and seconded by Councilman Clark to adopt the minutes as written. Jeremy L. Clark- Aye G. Tyler Clontz- Abstain Mayor Collins- Aye Sunshine N. Cope- Aye Steven W. Erickson- Aye Brooks R. Dawson- Aye Joel B. Burchett- Aye 15. Council Comments & Board Updates Councilwoman Cope expressed excitement about the mural project at the Fine Arts Center, noting that it would be an attractive addition to the community and would likely draw visitors, including automobile enthusiasts who frequently photograph their vehicles in front of public art displays. She also highlighted the upcoming start of the River Turtles baseball season and encouraged residents to take advantage of the many events and activities taking place downtown. ice -Mayor Dawson took the opportunity to recognize the Fine Arts Center for its ontributions to the Town. He praised the organization for strengthening community assets and cultural life despite operating with limited resources, relying heavily on volunteers and community support. He described the Fine Arts Center as one of Pulaski's Community treasures and thanked its staff and volunteers for their efforts. e then asked about the status of a military display in Jackson Park, specifically a cannon t at had recently been removed. Manager Day explained that staff had spent several 1 months seeking assistance from military organizations but ultimately determined that the Town's Public Works Department would undertake the restoration work. Vice -Mayor Dawson expressed confidence that Public Works would do an excellent job and hoped the restored display would be well -received. Councilman Burchett addressed comments made earlier during the public hearing regarding the water system. He clarified that the Town does not simply add chlorine to drinking water without treatment and stressed that Pulaski maintains excellent water quality. He reiterated that the proposed infrastructure investments are necessary because portions of the water system have been neglected for many years and now require significant upgrades. He also echoed praise for the Fine Arts Center, emphasizing the importance of investing in arts and cultural activities that improve the quality of life, attract visitors, and showcase positive developments occurring throughout the community. Mayor Collins highlighted several ongoing beautification and revitalization efforts throughout the Town. He noted that the recent tree -planting initiative represented more than $90,000 in donated trees, labor, and volunteer support through AmeriCorps, all provided at no cost to the Town. He emphasized the value of these contributions and clarified that the trees would eventually be distributed throughout the community rather than remaining concentrated in a single area. Mayor Collins also requested an update on the restoration of the caboose. Staff reported that work had already begun, with the caboose recently cleaned and pressure -washed. Sandblasting was expected to begin shortly, followed by repainting. Staff noted that even the initial cleaning had dramatically improved its appearance. Mayor Collins expressed enthusiasm about the project and stated that he looked forward to seeing the completed restoration. Returning to the Fine Arts Center, Mayor Collins commented that the building's new Pxterior color and upcoming mural would further enhance the appearance of downtown ulaski. He stated that public art projects and murals contribute significantly to downtown revitalization and represent another step in the Town's continued progress. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of cooperation and collective effort as Pulaski continues pursuing community improvement initiatives. 16. Manager's Report Manager Day provided a brief report and expressed appreciation for Town staff, noting that they had been managing numerous projects and initiatives over the preceding months. He reported that the Town had received encouraging news from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regarding a grant -related award that would e discussed publicly in the future. He highlighted the Town's ongoing success in securing millions of dollars in grant funding and referenced the Town's participation in water infrastructure funding programs that include significant principal forgiveness provisions. Although the Town had not received funding during the most recent round, he 1 1 explained that additional opportunities remained available over the next two years. He also indicated that DEQ's latest funding cycle had been highly competitive. Before concluding, Manager Day returned briefly to an earlier question regarding water rates and confirmed that the increase in the base rate was approximately 19 percent as well. 17. Reminder of Future Council Meeting a. June 16. 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. ATTEST Olivia C. Law-- Clerk of Council i TOWN of PULASKI, VIRGINIA W. Shannon Collins Mayor