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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/5/2011 - Regular1 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF VINTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT 7:00 P.M. ON TUESDAY, JULY 5, 2011, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE VINTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 311 SOUTH POLLARD STREET, VINTON, VIRGINIA. MEMBERS PRESENT: Bradley E. Grose, Mayor Robert R. Altice Carolyn D. Fidler Matthew S. Hare William W. Nance STAFF PRESENT: Chris Lawrence, Town Manager Elizabeth Dillon, Town Attorney Darleen R. Bailey, Town Clerk Michael Kennedy, Public Works Director Anita McMillan, Planning Director Ben Cook, Police Captain Chad Helms, Fire & EMS Lieutenant Agenda A. 5:30 P.M. - Roll Call and Establishment of a Quorum B. CLOSED MEETING 1. Request to Convene in Closed Meeting, Pursuant to § 2.2-3711 A (1) of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as Amended, for Discussion or Consideration of Personnel Matters to Interview Candidates for Executive Assistant/Town Clerk Position C. 7:00 P.M. –Reconvene and Adopt Certification of Closed Meeting D. INVOCATION E. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE U. S. FLAG F. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Request to Approve Minutes for June 1, 2011Work Session and Special Called Meeting G. AWARDS, RECOGNITIONS, PRESENTATIONS 1. Final Report for Police Department 2. Recognize Chad Helms on Promotion to Fire EMS Lieutenant H. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS AND PETITIONS - This section is reserved for comments and questions for issues not listed on the agenda I. TOWN ATTORNEY J. TOWN MANAGER K. MAYOR 1. Consider Appointment of Interim Police Chief L. COUNCIL M. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Grose called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Town Clerk called the roll with all members present. Mayor Grose called for a motion to go into closed meeting pursuant to §2.2-3711 A (1) of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, for discussion or consideration of personnel matters relating to interview of candidates for Executive Assistant/Town Clerk Position. The Vice Mayor moved to go into closed meeting. Roll call, invocation and Pledge of Allegiance to U.S. Flag. 2 Councilman Hare seconded the motion with all in favor. At 7:00 p.m., Council returned to regular session. Mr. Nance moved to adopt the Certification that the closed meeting was held in accordance with the Code of Virginia. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hare and passed with all in favor. Mr. Nance gave the invocation and Mr. Altice led the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag. The Consent Agenda was approved on motion by Mr. Hare and seconded by Mr. Nance. The motion passed with all in favor. Approved Consent Agenda Captain Cook reported on the status of the Vinton Police Department following Chief Herb Cooley’s retirement. Following his report, the Mayor expressed his appreciation to the Police Department for their efforts in getting the reconstruction work completed in their department. Mr. Hare asked if Captain Cook had received any feedback from citizens on their new policy forwild animals. Captain Cook replied that the only comment he had received was from a Council member. Following a brief discussion on police vehicles, Mr. Hare advised Captain Cook that Council has not forgotten that work needs to be done on the evidence room and the break room. Captain Chris Linkous recognized Chad Helms who was recently promoted to Fire and EMS Lieutenant. Captain Linkousenlightened Council ofthe Fire and EMS promotion process. Lieutenant Helms was presented with his new fire hat and was congratulated on his promotion. Ms. Blanche Green of 865 E. Cleveland Avenue, requested that Council amend their Ordinance allowing citizens to keep chickens on their residential property. She asked that acreage requirements and setback requirements be reduced as she felt they were too strict. Ms. Green reported that she had spoken with neighbors surrounding her property and no one had objected to her keeping chickens on her property. Mr. Hare asked if there was a way to issue Ms. Green a waiver. The Town Attorney responded that the urban chicken ordinance did not allow for such a variance and that legally, there could not be just one exception to an ordinance, even for a trial period. Mayor Grose advised Ms. Green that he would have to consult with the Planning Commission and staff to see if they wish to amend the ordinance at this point. He expressed doubts that there would be any interest in changing the ordinance at this point since it has been only a couple of 3 months since it was adopted. Mr. Lawrence advised that staff would look into it if Council has any interest in changing the ordinance. He stated that he could update Council on the ordinance at their next meeting. Mayor Grose assured Ms. Green that she will be kept informed on the issue. Mr. Lawrence pointed out an article on the Town of Vinton that was a part of the current issue of theRoanoker Magazine. The Town Manager announced a community meeting that would take place the following Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers regarding William Byrd High School’s automated sign. He advise Council that he would have the Town Clerk call everyone that was listed on the petition that Council received in June. Ms. Fidler nominated Ben Cook as Interim Police Chief to replace Former Chief of Police, Herb Cooley who retired at the end of June. Mr. Altice seconded the nomination. As there were no further nominations, Mayor Grose closed the nominations and called for a vote. Town Council voted unanimously to appoint Ben Cook as Interim Police Chief until a permanent appointment can be made at a later date. Mr. Hare thanked Council for opening each meeting with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Hare expressed concern that glass bottles are being left sitting out by the Kroger recycling bins. He noted that staff needs to keep a check on this situation since Cycle Systems does not collect glass any longer and have removed the bin for glass. Mr. Hare also mentioned sign posts that are in disrepair and need to be painted or replaced. He recommended removing them if they cannot be painted. Mr. Hare asked for an update on the Water Rate Study. Mr. Lawrence replied that there will be one more sub-committee meeting after which the Water Rate Study will be submitted to the full Council for their consideration sometime in August. Mr. Hare asked the Public Works Committee to take a look at what caused the damage done to the pavement at the intersection of Pollard Street and Cleveland Avenue during the storm that occurred back in June. He questioned whether the Town neglected to perform proper maintenance to the drain line. Mr. Hare also questioned the swimming pool is open during the hours that is advertised. He stated that he did not want to “back pedal” on the pool this year since it was so successful last year. Mr. Lawrence advised that he would check to see that the pool is open when it is scheduled to be 4 open and would provide Council with an end of the month reporton the pool for June. Mr. Nance asked who would be responsible for mowing right-of-way that adjoins private property. Mr. Lawrence replied that there is currently no code provision requiring the property owner to mow right-of-way property. He went on to say that it is an unwritten partnership with property owners and that most do mow the strip of right-of-wayadjoining their property. The Town Manager advised that he would have the Code Enforcement Officer take a look to see if there’sanything the Town can do to help the situation. Mr. Nance thanked the Police Department for the Police Chief’s retirement dinner. He also commented that it was very apparent that Chief Cooley was a very well-respected man with integrity. Ms. Fidler asked about the door replacements at the Senior Building. Mr. Lawrence replied that he would have an answer for her by the next meeting. Ms. Fidler announced that there would be a blood drive in honor of Sam Cundiff at the War Memorial on Wednesday, June 13th from 12:00 until 6:00. Mayor Grose expressed his appreciation to Public Works for repairing Pollard Street and for keeping up with everything else. He echoed Mr. Hare’s comments about signs. He expressed concern thatthere seemed to be an increase in the number of temporary signs in Town. Mayor Grose advised that he has had repeated requests from groups who want to adopt a highway, particularly By-Pass Road. Mr. Lawrence stated that he would look into the issue and get back to Council on the matter. Mayor Grose adjourned the work session at 8:23 p.m. APPROVED: Bradley E. Grose, Mayor ATTEST: Darleen R. Bailey, Town Clerk