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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/21/2015 - RegularMINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF VINTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 6:00 P, ON TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE VINTO MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 311 SOUTH POLLARD STREET, VINTO VIRGINIA I MEMBERS PRESENT: Bradley E. Grose, Mayor Matthew S. Hare, Vice Mayor William W. Nance Sabrina M. Weeks MEMBER ABSENT: 1. Douglas Adams, Jr. STAFF PRESENT: Christopher S. Lawrence, Town Manager Theresa Fontana, Town Attorney Ryan Spitzer, Assistant Town Manager Ben Cook, Police Chief Anita McMillan, Planning & Zoning Director Mary Beth Layman, Special Programs Director Donna Collins, Human Resources Specialist Gary Woodson, Public Works Director Joey Hiner, Public Works Assistant Director The Mayor called the work session to order at 6:00 p.m. for an update on the skate park location options, The Town Manager began by commenting that we have had a lot of community conversations over the skate park proposal and had a number of sites selected for evaluation. A public meeting was held at the War Memorial to receive comments on several sites and after the meeting Council gave direction to staff to narrow it down to two sites. The two sites selected are the Jackson Street site and a five -acre parcel on Walnut Avenue just pass the new bridge. Mr. Spitzer will present the factors for both sites and the costs and we are looking for direction from Council as to which site is preferred and at what level of participation, Mr. Spitzer began his power point presentation by commenting that on November 18 th , .a Memorandum of Understanding between the Town and Invoke Ministries was presented to Council for the creation of a skate park behind the Municipal Building. Council directed staff during that meeting to look at other sites and the factors that would go into running a skate park. On December I", a community meeting was held in Council Chambers with members from both the skate and church communities with regard to the proposed site behind the Municipal Building. At that time we were also presented with a list of an additional 12 sites around Town that citizens thought would be more beneficial for a skate park than the proposed site, The site behind the Municipal Building was proposed because the signage was already there, it would be an easy up fit for the skate park and the Town is required to do something with that site as part of the CDBG Grant, Staff reviewed all of the proposed sites and narrowed those down to four that would be feasible and realistic for a skate park. The four sites were on Jackson Street, Walnut Avenue, 3rd Street, which is the old landfill, and a piece of private property behind Washington Avenue. On January 29t', a more formal community meeting was held at the War Memorial on these four sites and from the comments received, two sites was favored, the Jackson Street and Walnut Avenue site. Alternative No. 2 is the Jackson Street site, which already has two concrete slabs and parking, but is in a dense urban area with churches and other businesses as neighbors, The project site draft shows repair to the existing concrete slabs with some type of sports turf placed on the site, Some fencing would be placed around the edges so keep the skate boards in the p.rk, There would be two surfaces —a concrete and more of a street type of surface with six parking spaces dedicated for firefighters. We would up fit the gravel parking lot that is now next to Reed Street Baptist Church, but keep their existing handicapped parking. Also a fence will be placed along the area of the current retaining wall. The estimated cost for this site is $20,000 with the majority of this cost being for materials for the sports turf, to rehab the concrete slabs and the fencing. The skate board ramps will be provided by Invoke Ministries. Mr. Spitzer next commented that Alternative Site 1 is the five -acre site on Walnut Avenue. This is the site where the construction equipment was housed during the construction of the Walnut Avenue bridge, The site plan shows multiple uses for recreation. There would be a 10,000 square feet concrete pad for the skate park, which is approximately 4,000 more square feet that the Jackson Street site. The parking lot would be gravel in the beginning, but as the greenway is added, that parking lot will be blacktopped and paid for with Greenway funds. This site has an expansion area to the left of the concrete pad (facing Walnut Avenue) for possibly a basketball court and the potential for a BMX track in the back of the property. The estimated cost to do the basketball court, the 10,000 square foot concrete slab, a pavilion with a metal roof, parking area, an entrance sign and walking paths is 'sip pi The concrete slab for the skate park could be constructed first and perhaps, as other funds Wecome available, another section can be completed, Because more than 10,000 square feet would be disturbed with this site, we would have to do E & S and have an engineer design the site because of regulations. Ms. Spitzer commented that when we hired an engineer, FA to do the site drawings for the sidewalks along Walnut Avenue, the cost was approximately $9,000. This site is away from everybody, but still in a highly visible area. There are AEP poles that could have lights added. There is a convenience store nearby and sidewalks will go all the watj to the site once the next *,hase of Walnut Avenue - is completed. There is currently no use for this property due to the rocky terrain in the rear of the lot and the front being so limited in space as well as being in a floodplain. The with federal funds, so if we were to ever sell it, the Federal Government would have to be reimbursed, Also, Invoke Ministries sees great potential in the site because of its location and the ability to do programming at the site that will not interfere with residences. 0 BITU track would be unique as well. He then asked if Council gives their consensus, could staff move ahead with making plans or pursuing grants to help pay for some of the initial expenses, Council Member Weeks commented on the discussions that were had last year about a pocket park to be located next to the Municipal Building. However, it is her understanding that even if the Lions Club was able to j secure some funds, there would •- some stormwater maintenance that would need to be done on the site prior to the building of the park. With that said, Ms. Weeks next commented that perhaps the Lions Club, if interested in moving forward, would •• interested in using those funds toward the skate park. Also, there is a form provided by Invoke Ministries where individuals can make donations and specify them to go toward the Vinton skate board park. Council Member Nance next commented that he agreed the Jackson Street site should be eliminated from consideration any further. The skate park needs to be a good neighbor and even though Mr. Coy and his ministry did everything they could to build that bridge, there never was a chance for the opportunity to relieve people's concerns about that location. He felt that this site should be rehabbed with all appropriate speed as soon as the next fiscal year begins. The Walnut Avenue site has more possibilities and he <►# the fact that everyone is enthusiastic at about this site. However, since this is the first time this site has been considered as a potential site, he thinks the enthusiasm should be curbed until we are sure that the site meets the test of the citizens and surrounding neighbors. Mr. Nance further commented that he would be supportive of using this Town -owned property and for the Town to provide ♦' in -kind services if there are ways to help defray some costs. As part of our proposed budget, there is a recommendation before us to eliminate the K9 unit and to close the swimming pool that has served this community for over six decades, It would be very hard for him to close a public gathering space and then spend even more money to create a brand-new space. Invoke Ministries has its heart in the right place and there is excitement of staff and Council to have this park, but he cannot cut in some areas to save money and then spend even more on something new and shiny. The Mayor next commented that Council has expressed their support for the Walnut Avenue • but they want to make sure that it is the right location. Two things we 0 learned from our prior skate park is that it must be highly visible and has to have much more involvement and some supervision. He then asked Dan Coy to make comments regarding this site. Mr. Coy commented that he has enjoyed talking with the community, the churches and the business owners, but from his perspective, they are not in a rush as long as there is momentum and movement. The plan is to have at least two nights of programming provided by Invoke at a minimum with probably a presence daily from the leaders. There are a lot of good things that could happen on this site and they are committed to making this place a safe and creative environment, He has more equipment now than he has ever had to make this a great top-notch draw for the community that is not just going to serve the people here, but from outside the community. Sam Dean, a business owner and resident of Vinton, commented that his son is a skater, The kids that are skaters are good kids and it is a group that needs to be reached out to. He is a photographer and works with the Roanoke Valley Convention and Tourism Bureau for the County and is very aware of how people perceive the Roanoke Valley and especially this community, We need to get people to think about Vinton as a place that is progressing and where things are happening and this is a huge step in the right direction. He thanked Council for even entertaining the possibility of creating a skate park. Greg Allen commented that he understood the hesitation based on the problems with the other skate parks. However, Dan Coy and Invoke Ministries has meant a lot to him and his friends and he feels like the skate park would do a lot of good for the kids around the community. The Mayor commented in closing that Council sees the need for the skate park, but they will have to have partners in this project. The Town Manager commented that clear direction has been given on which site to consider and we need to improve on the current drafted design plan. We need to have another neighborhood meeting and pull the bigger community, specifically our Cleveland, Cedar and Walnut neighborhoods with some concrete ideas so we will have more support. After that staff will come back to Council with a concept plan in phases along with some information regarding funding and available grants and ultimately will need permission to proceed on whatever Phase "r 77 717177 i M774YOTU=7 NFT—file re!61-Tiar Ineeting to oFWe7-M--i - p.m. Donna Collins, Human Resources Specialist cafle the roll with Council Member Nance, Council Memb Weeks, Vice Mayor Hare and Mayor Grose presen] [Z-93F.-M 69 Council Member Adams was absent. After a Moment of Silence, Council Member Weeks led the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag. Under upcoming community events/ announcements, Council Member Weeks announced the Dogwood Festival that starts tomorrow and goes through Sunday. The Town Manager commented that even though the downtown area is under construction, the parade on Saturday will still to down Washington, Maple and loop around Pollard Street and back. Council Member Nance made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented; the motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hare and carried by the following vote, with all members voting: Vote 4-0; Yeas (4) — Nance, Weeks, Hare, Grose; Nays (0) — None; Absent (1) - Adams. Under awards, recognitions and presentations, the first item was a Proclamation for National Drinking Water Week. Council Member Nance read the Proclamation and presented it to Gary Woodson, Public Works Director, The next item on the agenda was to consider public comments regarding amendments to Article 11. Districts and District Map, Sec. 2-1. Establishment of zoning districts, by adding Mixed Use Development (MUD) District; Article IV. District Regulations, by adopting and enacting Division 14. Mixed Use Development (MUD) District; Amending Article X. Definitions, Section 10-2. Words and Terms Defined (b) Certain Words and Terms Defined, by amending and enacting certain words and terms defined, of Appendix B, Zoning, of the Town Code. The Mayor opened the Public Hearing at 7:17 p.m. Anita McMillan commented on her staff report regarding the amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to add Mixed Use Development (MUD) District and amending definitions. Staff began working on the MUD District because of the potential redevelopment of the former Roland E. Cook and William Byrd High school buildings. Additionally, there are several parcels in the Town that are under-utilized such as the River Park Shopping Center, Currently the Town's zoning districts are very traditional and do not allow for mixed -use development. The Planning Commission had work sessions in November and Janualmy and Txwn December on the proposed MUD District. A joint work session with the Planning Commission and Council was had in February. Due to the weather, the Planning Commission had to reschedule their Public Hearing from March to April. This Public Hearing was held on April 2 Id Approved minutes for the Special Council meeting of March 31, 2015 and the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that Council consider adoption of the proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. Staff did not receive any comments from the public with regard to the proposed amendment, One provision in the original proposed amendment provided that if a piece of property went through the rezoning process and it was not developed after two Public Hearing closed years it would revert back to the original zoning. Based on discussion with our Town Attorney, this language was Adopted Ordinance No. 960 removed from the final proposed Ordinance. For a piece amending the Zoning Ordinance of property to go through the rezoning process, the to add Mixed Use Development petitioner would have to submit a master plan and the (MUD) District and amending development of some properties make take more than definitions. Staff began working two years. Also, the thought was that if a developer on the MUD District because of spends money for a master plan, most likely they will go the potential redevelopment of the through with the development. former Roland E. Cook and William Byrd High school Hearing no comments, the Public Hearing was closed at buildings. Additionally, there are 7:22 p.m. several parcels in the Town that are under-utilized such as the Vice Mayor Hare made a motion to adopt the Ordinance River Park Shopping Center. as presented; the motion was seconded by Council Currently the Town's zoning Member Nance carried by the following roll call vote, with districts are very traditional and do all members voting: Vote 4-0; Yeas (4) — Nance, Weeks, not allow for mixed -use Hare, Grose; Nays (0) — None; Absent (1) - Adams. development The next item on the agenda was to consider adoption of a Resolution approving the 2015-2016 operating budget of the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority. Dan Miles, Chief Executive Officer, began by commenting that the proposed budget totals $8,525,174. This is a balanced budget with revenues equaling the projected expenditures. In order to balance the budget, they are using $434,974 from the contingency fund, which has been done for the past several years. The budget represents a $22,971 increase from the current fiscal year or a 0.3% increase. There is a $1.00 per ton increase in the Municipal tipping fee from $48.00 per ton to $49.00 per ton. That increase for the region represents about a $0.10 per household per month increase. Vinton's per capita tonnage generation is a little less than the rest of the region, so for Vinton this represents about a $0.08 per household per month increase, Mr. Miles next commented regarding the closing of the Town's Td Street dumpsters. Last year when he presented the budget to Council, he informed them that the Resource Authority would be constructing a new residential service area. They are still in that process, but after being delayed in obtaining the stormwater permit, 0 they first went out for bids two months ago and only received one bid which was substantially more than I budgeted for the project. They decided to take the specifications and divide them into two different components, send them back out and allow more time for other contractors to look at the materials. They received those bids today which are much more in line with the anticipated cost, The matter will be presented to the Board of Directors at their next meeting and he believes they will approve moving forward with the project. It will take approximately three months to complete and they anticipate that the area will be up and running by Fall. Vice Mayor Hare referred to the second page of the Summary of the budget and the fact that the Authority has transferred funds from the contingency reserve fund for the past five years. Mr. Hare commented that in the real world, you eventually run out of contingency, However, the Authority never seems to run out and would it be incorrect to say it is because they no longer have debt service. He knows they set aside funds for equipment purchases rather than taking out more debt. Mr. Miles responded that the contingency fund right now has $1.2 million and if they were to continuously draw $400,000 out, after three years it would be anticipated that the reserve fund would be gone. The $450,000 that it being transferred to balance the proposed budget is roughly equivalent to about $3.00 per ton on the tipping fee based on about 150,000 tons a year. In order to balance the budget they use that amount from the contingency reserve anticipating that the expenditures will likely not be completely what has been budgeted. They try to overestimate their expenditures and under estimate their revenues in order to have a built-in cushion. For the past few years they have had a surplus fund balance at the end of the year. The Board looks at the surplus fund balance and decides what they want to do with those funds. For the past few years, they have taken that surplus fund balance and put it back into the contingency fund. If the budget were to work out exactly, then about three years out, they would be looking at an increase of that $3.00 per ton increase they have buffering using the contingency money. They have been balancing the use of the contingency fund with some small increases in the tipping fees so that it is not that big of a hit on the municipal and commercial customers in order to try to get them where they are not relying on the use of that contingency fund as much as they have been in the past. PIP Mr. Miles further commented that they are starting to see some changes in the economy because garbage is an economic indicator. If less garbage comes through the gates, they get less revenue. The municipal waste has been very stagnant for a number of years and the general population is not feeling the economy resurging at this point in time. The good news is that the commercial side is picking up and with this proposed budget, they are projecting some increase in revenues from the commercial sector. They are trying to keep the rates as low as possible, but still operate in an economically feasible manner and provide an environmentally sound method of disposal. Council Member Nance made a motion to adopt the Resolution as presented; the motion was seconded by Adopted Resolution No. 2104 Vice Mayor Hare and carried by the following roll call approving the 2015-2016 vote, with all members voting: Vote 4-0; Yeas (4) — operating budget of the Roanoke Nance, Weeks, Hare, Grose; Nays (0) — None; Absent (1) Valley Resource Authority - Adams. The next item on the agenda was an update and consideration of approval to publish an RFP for renovations to the Farmers' Market as part of the $700,000 CIDBG Project. Ryan Spitzer began with a Power Point presentation showing photos of the current Farmers' Market site, The previous site plan that was presented to Council in November was more aesthetic than functional with the angled seat walls to go with the angle of the stage to the Market along with some striping and some bollards. The focus was not on the stage because the grant submittal to the DHCD only included the actual site of the Farmer's Market parking lot. The original thought was to try and create a connected space between the stage and the Market area where people would feel that it was all one space, The idea was to create a greener space, get rid of a lot of the pavement ,.-.,nd to do a site redesign. The budget that was presente-4 24 that time was $112,084. After briefing Council, the direction given was more emphasis on the stage, more utilitarian, for the space to be functional and for people to be able to use the space. The money needed to be put toward the best possible use for the Town, for the venue and the citizens. There was concern on the placement of the trees and a connection of the stage to the Market area. This new concept had to be approved by DHCD because the original application was designed for the Farmers' Market .q.nd not for the stage and DHCD did not see the — connection between the two. M