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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/18/2022 - Joint1 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF VINTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 6:00 P.M. ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE VINTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 311 SOUTH POLLARD STREET, VINTON, VIRGINIA MEMBERS PRESENT: Bradley E. Grose, Mayor Sabrina McCarty, Vice Mayor Keith N. Liles Laurie J. Mullins Michael W. Stovall STAFF PRESENT: Pete Peters, Town Manager Cody Sexton, Assistant Town Manager Susan N. Johnson, Executive Assistant/Town Clerk Jeremy Carroll, Town Attorney Mike Lockaby, Town Attorney Anne Cantrell, Finance Director/Treasurer Fabricio Drumond, Police Chief William Herndon, Public Works Director Anita McMillan, Planning & Zoning Director Nathan McClung Assistant Planning & Zoning Director Fayula Gordon, Associate Planner PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Keith N. Liles, Chair Dave Jones, Vice-Chair Bob Benninger PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Sarah Reid The Mayor called the Work Session to order at 6:00 p.m. and Nathan McClung for a briefing on the adoption of repealing of the existing Zoning Ordinance for the Town of Vinton. Mr. McClung began a review of the PowerPoint presentation, which was a part of record. With regard to the Signage Regulations Grand Member Liles animated sign and not being able to use it except If a business wanted to have an end-of-the month use the sign. There are other signs in the Town businesses what they can and cannot own and 2 Council has heard it is difficult to do business in the Town and that the established businesses in Town should be able to advertise a special. The Mayor commented that existing businesses special promotions; however, there needs to be reasonable time limits and perhaps even spacing of these signs to maintain the Town’s attractiveness. Vice Mayor McCarty commented everybody will be able to read and understand and all commented that the recommen remove the temporary sign permit, but setting parameters with increased enforcement. The Town Manager commented that Staff will be taking notes meeting and will make revisions in consultation with our Town Attorney. Those revisions will be Commission before there is any official vote. Dave Jones asked what other localities are doing The Town will probably be the first Southwest Virginia area. Bob Benninger commented that he is not a big fan of the tube man signs, but likes the feather signs. If they are allowed to be used for specials, there should be a limit on how many times they can be used. Mr. Ordinance is adopted businesses will be advised of the new regulations. All changes will have a 90-day grace period after the Ordinance is adopted to allow staff businesses and the pubic on all of the changes. Mr. McClung responded that Fairfax Coun one of the few localities that is starting to allow these signs. A business would have to have a some other type of utility on their roof. Council 3 could only be a rooftop and Mr. McClung responded yes. After further comments and discussion, the Town Manager commented that Bruce Mayer did this type of sign on the Star City someone might want to put up some screening that meets the definition. Also, there are a few can see from Maple or Pollard. They do not choose to put those up, they would be eligible. With regard to Miscellaneous Signage Revisions the Mayor asked if it would be the responsibility of the property owner to remove the sign even if it was not their responded removed, the remove the sign and place property. There was also discussion regarding inappropriate. With regard to the Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) General Standards: Rentability, Council property owner is residing on-site. Mr. McClung Town Manager commented that once a primary residence is sold, the new owner will have to be made aware of the fact that they cannot rent both the primary residence and the ADU. Session since it was past 7:00 p.m. The Town Manager commented that if Council so desired, we could end the Work Session and continue it at the next Council meeting. It was decided that another meeting. the PowerPoint presentation. Aft Session adjourned at 7:18 p.m. The Mayor called the regular meeting to order at 7:19 p.m. The Town Clerk called the roll with Council Member Liles, Council Member Mullins, Council Member Stovall, 4 After a Moment of Silence, Dave Jones led the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag. announcements, Vice Mayor McCarty announced the following: January 20 – 11:30 a.m. – BoomTown CrossFit Ribbon Cutting; January 21 – 8:00 p.m. – Live Music with Eastbound and Down – Rosie’s; January 22 - 8:00 p.m. – Live Music with Mended Fences – Rosie’s; January 25 – 5-7:30 p.m. – Open House on Utility Assets Transfer from the Town to the Western Virginia Water Authority – War Memorial; January 28 – 8:00 p.m. – Live Music with Low Low Chariot – Rosie’s; February 4 - 7:30 p.m. - VT Hockey v. Richmond and February 5 – 4:30 p.m. – VT Hockey v .UNC – Lancerlot. Vice- Public Works, Police and Fire & Rescue for their work during the recent snow events. outgoing Chamber President and welcomed Jason Boothe as the new Chamber President. Under requests to postpone, add to or change the order of agenda items, the Town Manager requested that Item (2) under the Work Session, briefing on the proposed establishment of Outdoor Refreshment Areas (ORAs) in the Town of Vinton Council gave their consensus to move the item. approve the motion was seconded by Council Member Mullins and carried by the following vote, with all members voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) – Liles, Mullins, Stovall, McCarty, Grose; Nays (0) – None. Approved January 4, 2022 and Resolution appropriating funds in the amount of $393.30 received for scrap metal to the Public Works budget Under awards, introductions, presentations and proclamations, Chief Vinton First Aid Crew gave an update. Chief Sayre first commented that in 2021 there were 1,421 volunteer calls with the volunteers responding to 654 or 46% of the calls. The volunteer crew handled 570 of those transporting the others. The career staff handled 767 calls and the volunteer crew transported 320 people to commented on their plans for 2022: to implement handtevy, a pediatric treatment tool; increase their 5 systems; sponsor a Continuing Education Weekend and purchase a new truck. responded in the past they handled 80-90% of the calls dispatched during volunteer hours. If they do not have enough volunteer personnel, the career staff has a 24-7 medic truck or other trucks within the County will respond to calls. Council Member Chief Sayre responded seven days a week – 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. and on during the day from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Chief Sayre next commented interested in joining the First Aid Crew, they can go to their website (www.vintonems.com) and complete the interest form found membership section organization. The minimum age to join is 16. Randy Layman, President of the Vinton Historical Society gave an update on the Vinton Museum. Mr. Layman first expressed appreciation to Council for their support and then read a printed report, which will be on file in the Town Clerk’s Office as part of the permanent record regard to visitors during 2021, Mr. Layman commented the Museum visitors with 20 volunteers, two college interns and three high school interns. 1884-1984 has been retyped for a second edition forward from 1984 to the present. Under citizen’s comments and petitions, Carlton Brown of Bedford County made comments and requested the Town consider designation as commented that the matter would be taken under advisement and requested that the Town Manager and Town Attorney review the request and report back to Mr. Brown. The next item on the agenda was the briefing 6 that was moved from the Work Session. Nathan McClung first commented that o Virginia ABC replaced the application for Local Outdoor Refreshment Area (ORA) licenses. This improvement district or nonprofit organizations. It would allow the Town to designate an area where there are permanent retail on-premises licensees in that area. Fox example, Twin Creeks has an ABC license to sell alcohol, but currently when there is an event such as the Mingle at the Market, an individual cannot purchase a beverage from Twin Creeks and walk across the alley with their beverage to the event. This license would allow us to draw a boundary around an ORA and within that area an individual would be allowed to purchase an alcoholic beverage and freely roam within that area. Mr. McClung next commented that if the Town will have less than 16 events in a year, we will not have to adopt an Ordinance. We would have to work with the ABC Board to have safety measures in place. Each event could be held for up to three days license is $300 per year. If the Town wants to have more than 16 events, that would fall in a different license category and we would have to adopt an Ordinance to designate the size and scope of the area and develop a public safety plan that has to be approved by the ABC Board. The Board would also have the right to considerations for the approval of the license. In response to a question about beverage from a business in the ORA any day of the week, the Town Manager commented that this license has to be associated with a public event or festival. businesses that we did not have several years ago to participate in our events and capture some of the downtown traffic. With regard to applying for more than 16 events commented the Ordinance would need a considerable amount of detail. The question he has for the ABC Board is if one license is for 16 events or if you have to have a license for each event. 7 Council Member Stovall suggested that we go ahead and adopt the Ordinance so we are not limited to 16 and Council Member Liles agreed. With regard to the p commented that the responsibility falls back on the on the ABC license holder to now allow a patron to there is not an event. The Town Attorney commented that the signs can be temporary signs that are put up for each event. Mr. McClung next commented that the license for above 16 events would be approximately $3,000. The Town Manager further commented that staff is early in this discussion process, but wanted to introduce it and get Council’s feedback before we develop our plan. We feel like we are under 16 at this point and he does not see it changing in 2022, but perhaps open and they want to do their own events, those would trigger more occurrences. Another thing to consider is how many events can our Police Department manage because when we have events with ABC licenses, it requires additional off- duty officers and our involvement. The Town appears there is a consensus of Council to move forward with the ORAs. We will bring the matter meeting and it is our intent to have the framework in place by this year’s Dogwood Festival. The next item on the agenda was to consider adoption of a Resolution appropriating funds in the amount of $500.00 received from AMVETS to the Vinton War Memorial Operating Supplies Account Anne Cantrell commented that this designation is War Memorial will primarily use it flags in front of the building. The Mayor expressed appreciation to the AMVETS for their donation of several years to the War Memorial and requested the Clerk to send them a letter. Council Member Stovall made a motion to adopt the Resolution as presented; the motion was seconded by Vice Mayor McCarty and carried by the following roll call vote, with all members voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) – Liles, Mullins, Stovall, McCarty, Grose; Nays (0) Adopted Resolution No. 2471 appropriating funds in the amount of $500.00 received from 8 The next item on the agenda was to consider adoption of a Resolution approving an annual payment of $500.00 and Manager to execute a Parking and Maintenance Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church Council was briefed on this matter at their January 4, 2022 meeting. After brief comments from the appreciation on behalf of the Church. Vice Mayor McCarty made a motion to adopt the Resolution as presented; the motion Member Mullins and carried by the following roll call vote, with all members voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) – Liles, Mullins, Stovall, McCarty, Grose; Nays (0) – None. Adopted Resolution No. 2472 approving an annual payment of $500.00 and authorizing the Town Manager to execute a Parking and between the Town and Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church The Town Manager congratulated Anita McMillan and the Planning & Zoning Department on being awarded the Assistance Fund (SLAF) $285,000 for the streambank restoration project at Woodland Place. This project should take care of the Town’s Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements for approximately the next ten years Ms. McMillan also received good news from DEQ that they accepted our revised TMDL Plan. The Police Department received a grant Department of Criminal Justice Services amount of $25,654 for overtime that is related to COVID coverage. commented that work began on the project last week. With regard to the Open House on January 25th, there at a between 5-7:30 p.m. He also reminded Council of the strategic planning retreat on January 28th. Under appointments to Boards/ Commissions / motion to appoint Mayor Grose as an alternate and Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority to new four-year terms beginning February 4, 2022 and ending February 3, 2 seconded by Vice Mayor McCarty and carried by the following vote, with all members voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) – Appointed Mayor Grose as an alternate and Cody Sexton as a f Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority to new four-year terms beginning 9 Under reports from Council Committees, Anne Cantrell first commented that the Finance Committee met on January 10, 2022 reviewed the November 2021 Financial Statements and the include real estate tax, business license, license fees, pari-mutuel tax, meals tax, cigarette tax, court fines, Community Center rentals, War State sales tax. miscellaneous income. The Utility fund billing expectations. There are several line items in the budget, but staff is working to provide true-up budget appropriations strong at $9.9 million with restricted, which is mostly American Rescue Plan Funding. The Committee also reviewed the scrap metal resolution which was approved under Consent Agenda and the AMVETS donation which was also approved tonight. The SLAF Grant Resolution dollar value requiring a Public Hearing February 1, 2022 meeting. The Committee also reviewed the amounts for the 2016 write-offs for tax and utility, which will also be brought to Council for action on February 1, 2022. Council Member Stovall made a motion to approve the November 30 presented; the motion was seconded by Council Member Mullins and carried by the following vote, with all members voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) – Liles, Mullins, Stovall, McCarty, Grose; Nays (0) – None. Report Chief Drumond made brief comments and expressed appreciation to the community and its citizens as well as Bo Works staff for their part in handling snow events. There were no crashes during the second and their efforts greatly assisted the Police Department. Dave Jones commented on an accident about a month ago at the railroad underpass and that the 10 Town had its side taken care of. He expressed appreciation to the Chief and his D Chief Drumond commented that the Public Works Department also assisted by bringing road closure signs and even putting them on the City side. The Town Manager commented that they are working underpass. The next item on the agenda was a report from t commented meant a lot to him and his team and that he has been passing along all of the comments to his employees the Public Works Committee was not able to meet on January 12, 2022. However, he wanted to give Council an update on the items that would have been discussed. With regard to the traffic signal light at 3rd Street, the parts are in and they should have it installed by the end of January. Also, the parts are in for the light at PFG and that should be completed by mid- February. They are working with AEP to schedule the installation of 17 lights and two additional poles replacement project, out of 5,189 meters, 1,550 or 33% of the residential meters have been replaced been replaced. The private stormwater repair for Ms. Shepherd on the 100 block of Poplar to Blair has been completed and the geotechn has been completed for Mountain View Road and they will be having a meeting to g findings to determine the next step. Council Members commented on the two snow events, the spot lights at Rosie’s grand re-opening, the open house on January 25th, the new edition of the Vinton History and the December 14th. The Mayor commented on the two snow events. He also commented on the Route 24 Bike/Pedestrian Study and expressed to staff how proud he is that they took Council’s strategic plan seriously and are working on making the Town a walkable community 11 for being on The Roanoker’s 40 under 40 list for 2022. Council Member Mullins made a motion to adjourn the meeting; the motion was seconded by Vice Mayor McCarty and carried by the following vote, with all members voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) – Liles, Mullins, Stovall, McCarty, Grose; Nays (0) – None. The meeting was adjourned at 8:48 p.m. APPROVED: Bradley E. Grose, Mayor ATTEST: _________________________________ Susan N. Johnson, CMC, Town Clerk