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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/20/2018 - Regular MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF VINT N TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 7:00 P.M. CAN TUES IAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2018, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE VINTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 311 SOUTH POLLARD STREET, VINTC N, VIRGINIA MEMBERS PRESENT: Bradley F. Grose, Mayor Matthew S. Hare, Vice Mayor Keith N. Liles Janet Scheid MEMBERS ABSENT: Sabrina McCarty STAFF PRESENT: Barry W, Thompson, Town Manager Susan N. Johnson, Executive Assistant/Town Clerk Theresa Fontana, Town Attorney Anne Cantrell, Treasurer/Finance Director Tom Faster, Police Chief Joey Hiner, Public Works Director William Herndon, Assistant Public Works Director Donna Collins, Human Resources Director The Mayor called the regular meeting to carder at :00 p.m. The Town Clerk called the roll with Council Member Liles, Council Member Scher, Vice Mayor Hare and Mayor Grose present. Council Member McCarty was absent. Moll call After a Moment of Silence, McKenna Moore led the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag. Under upcoming community events, Council Member Liles announced the following: February 21- 5:00 pm to 8:00 p -- Minton Chamber After Hours- Twin Creeks Brewery: Chief Feaster made brief comments can a recent experience in West Virginia where he and his family received greet hospitality and then read a quote from John Southard, "The only people who you should get even with are those who have helped you." Vice Mayor Hare made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, the motion was seconded by Council Member Scheid and carried by Approved minutes of the Council the following vote, with all members voting: Vote -0- Strategic Planning Retreat of 1 Yeas ( -- Liles, Scheid, Hare, Grose-,e-, Keys February 2, 2013 and the Regular None; Absent 1 McCarty, Council Meeting of February 5, 201 The next item on the agenda was a request for funding presentation from the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce. Justin Davison, the Chamber President, first commented on the partnership of the Chamber with businesses in Fast Roanoke County and the Town, 1 Over the last year they have added 60 plus members and expanded heir special event calendar. In addition to the 13 major events, they have regularly had ribbon cuttings and are doing networking events such as After- Hours and Lunch-N-pease, which have been well attended. Mr. Davison further commented that the requested increase in funding will be used for marketing and then elaborated on some of the marketing aspects. The next here on the agenda was a request for funding presentation from the Vinton Dogwood Festival, Connie Houtf, the Dogwood Festival Committee President, first expressed thanks to all of the Town departments that have assisted with the Festival. This will be the 6rd year and will span over a five-day period with the main focus being on Saturday: Ms. Houff elaborated on the events during the week and indicated that they plan to have entertainment again on Thursday night and Sunday afternoon in the Market area with WORX performing on Thursday and the Holiday Band out of North Carolina on Sunday. An added event will e a Fleet and{greet with the clowns after the parade. The next item can the agenda was a report cant e efforts of the Police Department. Chief Faster commented on the significant drug problem in the Roanoke Valley and the nation as a whole. In his department; this month compared to January of last year,the drug enforcement numbers were up 250%.. Chief Foster next read his Memo recognizing Officer ristopher Moore as Officer of the Month for January, Officer Moore alone with this family was present at the meeting and congratulated by Council, Chief Feaster next showed a trauma kit that will be placed in every police car; They were able to get 100% funding for 25 of there through Firehouse Subs. In response to a question, Chief Foster commented that all of the officers will be trained on the use of the kits. The next item on the agenda was a report cant e Vinton Volunteer First Aid Crew for January 2016. Chief Guffey reviewed his report which was a part of the agenda package and is on file in the Town Clerk's Office as a part of the permanent record. Chief Guffey next gave his request for funding PowerPoint presentation. A copy of the presentation is on file in the Towel Clerk's Office as a part of the permanent record.) Vice Mayor Aare asked why thief Cufey did not split the increase being requested and also ask the County for more funding. Chief Cuffey responded that part of the funding from the County comes from 4 for Life and $6,000 is for the station for the crew and career staff. The Town Manager commented that the Crew has just released their long-form PSA on RVTV. The next item on the agenda was a report can the Vinton Volunteer Fire Department for January 2018. Chief Oakes reviewed his report which was a part of the agenda package and is on file in the Town Clerk's Office as a part of the permanent record, They have 14 active members including one new member this year and will be working on completing their long-form 'aA with F Chief{fakes presented Council with a breakdown of his budget request o $19,000 and made comments on each category. He commented on repairs that are currently tieing done on the wagon and ladder truck and that Chief Simon had started visited with all the volunteers at the different Stations to show his appreciation and the Vinton Station was the first. The next item on the agenda was a briefing on the proposed on proposed amendment to certain sections of Chapter 10, "Animals" of the Vinton 'Town Code. The Town Attorney first commented that she was asked to include some regulations concerning the tethering of animals into our currant Ordinance. While reviewing our Ordinance, she also found other items that needed to be updated and also changed the criminal penalties to civil penalties for ease of prosecution. With regard to the definitions on Paces 1- , they are from the Virginia Code. She updated some of the section numbers to correspond with the actual updated Cade sections. She commented on some of the changes and specifically the addition of the definition of tethering that she copied from the City of oanoke's code. The Town Attorney next referred to Section 10-5 where she had placed the tethering restrictions as new subsections(t) c)and (d). With regard to the violations, she has changed them from a class 4 misdemeanor to a civil violation with a fine of $1 C},00, which is the maximum fine that Virginia Code allows.. It is a locality's discretion to lower that amount, but it was her recommendation to go with a maximum fine. Further discussion was had regarding the process of issuing a ticket to collecting the fine. 3 Section 10-10 was amended to change the violation from a criminal offense to a civil violation and refers to the definition of nuisance in Section 10-2. The next substantive change would be in Section 10-15 regarding fees. Chief Foster had provided the updated pickup fees which are $35.00 for initial pickup, $50 for a second pickup of the same animal within 12 months and $75 for a third or successive pickup of the same animal. Discussion was had regarding stray animals and it was recommended that the Ordinance include a definition for a "stray" animal, With regard to Division 2 on dangerous and vicious dogs, the Town Attorney reviewed the recommended changes to bring our Code in line with the Virginia Code. The Town Attorney next commented that the Ordinance would be put on the agenda for the second meeting in March for Council's consideration. She asked Council to let her know of any changes. There is also some pending legislation on some of these provisions and she would like to see what happens with those before we take action. Further discussion was had on how many known cases there are of animals being tethered in the Town and the enforcement of the Code if adopted by Council. The next item on the agenda was a br►efing on real estate tax assessment for Calendar Year 2018 and request to advertise a public hearing for April 3, 2018 to set the real estate tax, personal property tax and machinery and tools tax rates. Anne Cantrell commented that the real estate assessment for calendar year 2018 is $477,394,800 compared to $467,013,600 for 2017. The total increase of$10,381,200 million less new construction is a net increase is$8,486,500. The tax levy for 2018 would be $334,176 compared to $326,910 for 2017. The total increase in revenue would be $7,266 or 2.22%. Because this is above 1%, the State Code requires us to advertise our Public Hearing for at least 30 days. We are asking permission to advertise in The Vinton Messenger fora Public Hearing Council gave consensus to on April 3rd. Council gave their consensus to advertise advertise for April 3"1 Public Hearing as requested. The next item on the agenda was to consider adoption of a Resolution establishing a new Retiree Group Health Insurance Benefit Policy. Donna Collins reviewed the changes from the old Policy to the new Policy. Vice Mayor Hare commented that the impact to the budget will be minimal and there is currently only one participant. Council Member Liles made a motion to adopt the Resolution as presented; the motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hare and carried by the following rail call vote, with all members voting: Vote 4- Adopted Resolution No. 2235 0-1; Yeas (4) -- Liles, Scheid, Hare, Grose; Nays 0) establishing a new Retiree Group None;Absent(1)-McCarty. Health Insurance Benefit Policy The next item on the agenda was to consider adoption of a Resolution dissolving the Highway Safety Commission and establishing a new Highway Safety Committee. The Town Clerk commented that Council was briefed on this matter at the October 3d meeting. Based on research; the Town is no longer required to have the highway Safety Commission that was established in 1974 to be eligible for Transportation Safety Grants. Council and staff recommended that we dissolve the Highway Safety Commission and establish an advisory committee named the Highway Safety Committee. The structure of the Committee was provided in the proposed Resolution. The Town Clark next commented that she had seat a letter to all of the current Highway Safety Commission members advising them of the recommendation to dissolve the Commission and offering them an opportunity to apply to serve on the new Committee. Only one application was received. Information has also been placed on the website, social media and RVTV to solicit other Interested parties and to date she has a total of three applications. She recommended that Council wait to appoint members to the new Committee at one of their meetings in larch. (council Member Liles asked if someone who was renting property in the Town would be eligible. After discussion, Council recommended that the requirement be changed to property owner and/or resident of the Town, Vice Mayor Hare made a motion to adopt the Resolution as amended, the motion was seconded by Council Member Scheid and carried by the following Adopted Resolution No. 2236 a roll call vote, with all members voting: Vote 4-0-1; amended dissolving the Highway Yeas 4) — Liles, Scheid, Hare, Grose; Nays 0) — Safety Commission and establishing None; Absent 1)- McCarty. a new Highway Safety Committee The next item on the agenda was to consider adoption of a Resolution allowing the Town Treasurer/Finance Director to have outstanding tax accounts removed from the active records relating to parcels on South Pollard Street, Giles Avenue and Railroad Avenue in the Town of Vinton which was sold by Roanoke County at a tax sale. Anne Cantrell commented that a tax sale held by Roanoke County in 5 October of 2017 on properties located can South Pollard Street, Giles Avenue and Railroad Avenue did not deliver enough return to pay the outstanding balances to the Town, The new property owner was given clear title as rewired. Two parcels had an outstanding balance, one being $9,865. 9 and the other being $86.64. The larger balance was due to a demolition lien that was placed on the property. Ms. Cantrell further commented that she is requesting authority to remove these outstanding accounts from the active record and placed in a permanent file and collected if the opportunity arises. On real estate; they are authorized to collect for 20 years. This was reviewed with the Finance Committee before bringing to Adopted resolution No. 2237 Council for action. The Town slid receive$1,3 .7 from allowing the Town Treasurer/ the sale. Finance: Director to have outstanding tax accounts removed Council Member Scheid made a motion to adopt the from the active records relating to Resolution as presented; the motion was seconded by parcels on South bollard Street, Vice Mayor blare and carried by the following roll call tiles Avenue and Railroad Avenue vote, with all members voting: Mote - -1; Yeas ) _ in the Town of Vinton which was Liles, Scheid, Hare, Grose, bays — None; Absent sold by Roanoke County at a tax - McCarty. sale Transfer Policy The next item on the agenda was to consider adoption of a Resolution allowing the Town Treasurer/Finance Director to move appropriated funds from the General Fund to a newly established Grant Fund. Anne Cantrell commented that Council was briefed on this matter on January 16th and it has been discussed in the Finance Committee. For the financial statements that are prepared by the auditor„ it will still be consolidated into the General Fund, but this will be for internal reporting. The recommendation is to move the budget, actual costs and true up some items, Council Member Scheid commented on the number of grants and the amount of funds that we receive through those grants. Vice Mayor bare asked if there would be a balance sheet like a restricted cash account that would match up to this. M . Cantrell responded there would be all the same general ledger accounts and she will be creating the 250 Fund, It does not have to be brought to Council for approval because it is a general ledger account, but they will have a cash account in grant fund. Vice Mayor Flare asked what the number is to require that we have a single audit. Ms. Cantrell responded it i 50,000 in federal funds. Most of the grants that we have are flow-through federal funds and will daunt. Ms. Cantrell further commented that she has prepared are internal Grant Policy which has been reviewed by the 6 Finance Committee and parallels the resolution. Because of the potential for a single audit; the Policy would authorize her to amend it without having to come back to Council and will be a part of the budget document and reviewed periodically; Vice Mayor Hare made a motion to adopt the Adopted Resolution No. 2238 Resolution as presented; the motion was seconded by allowing the Town Treasurer/ Council Member Liles and carried by the following roll Finance Director to move call vote, with all members voting: Vote 4-1 -1; Peas appropriated funds from the General (4) — Liles, Scheid, Fare, Grose; lays (0) — lane; Fund to a newly established Grant Absent 1 -McCarty, Fund Under reports from Committees, the Mayor reported that the Public Works Committee met with the refuse collection crew and they are onboard with the new refuse collection methodology. The Committee will continue to work on a plan and the biggest component is going to be the public education. lean Miles with the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority also met with the Committee, e Mayor commented that he and the Town Manager had a meeting recently with the new Roanoke City Manager, Bob Cowell. He also commented on the success of the L.oveWorks sign unveiling and that he and the Town Manager judged a recent chili cook-off at Berkshire Rehabilitation Center. Comments from Council: Vice Mayor Hare asked about the recent Resolution that was adapted by Roanoke County with regard to the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority. The Town Manager commented that Roanoke County passed the Resolution because they want the Resource Authority to consider the rail option. Vice Mayor Hare further commented that he thought it had already been decided and land had been bought and roads paved. The Town Manager further' commented that was the direction that the Resource Authority was going in. Vice Mayor bare next asked if there was any action for Council to take at this time.: The Town Manager responded that Roanoke County and Roanoke City would have to resolve the issue according to the amended agreement. They received proposals from Norfolk Southern and it was his understanding that they were switched to a different division in December and received additional proposals from Norfolk Southern in January. Those proposals were still higher than the trucking option. The purchase of the land, building of the spur roach and the transfer station in Salem moving toward trucking was the direction the Board had been moving forward on. Council Member tiles made a motion to adjourn the- meeting; the motion was seconded by Council Member Scheid carried by the following vote, with all members voting: Vote 4-0- ; Yeas ) files, Scheid, Hare, Grose; Nays ) None; Absent 1) - McCarty. The meeting was adjourned at :55 p.m. Meeting adjourned APPROVED: Bradley E. Grose; Mayor A EST: Susan N. Johnson CMC;Town Clerk 8