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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/19/2013 - RegularMEMBERS PRESENT: Bradley E. Grose, Mayor William W. Nance, Vice Mayor 1. Douglas Adams, Jr. Robert R. Altice Matthew S. Hare STAFF PRESENT: Christopher S. Lawrence, Town Manager Susan N. Johnson, Town Clerk Elizabeth Dillon, Town Attorney Ryan Spitzer, Assistant to the Town Manager Gary Woodson, Public Works Director Barry Thompson, Finance DirectorfTreasurer Anita McMillan, Planning & Zoning Director Karla Turman, Assoc. Planner/Code Enforcement Ofcr. Kevin Kipp, War Memorial Facilities Manager Ben Cook, Police Chief Steve Foutz, Police Officer Fabricio Drumond, Police Sergeant # IL*^jj2ffM#I0TIIk0 to MONISM Karla Turman, Associate Planner/Code Enforcement • commented that Mr. Boyd has applied • a new Special Use Permit for his business to be allowed to store vehicles repossessed by financial institutions along with vehicles purchased by a dealership located on the property next • his business. By way of background information, in October of 2012 • • received a complaint that the impound lot was in violation of its Special Use Permit. After investigation, she contacted Mr. Boyd of Scorpion Towing and Mr. Meadows of Request Towing who co -rent the lot. They were under the impression that they could store any type of vehicle in the lot even though they were given a copy of the Special Use Permit currently on the property and the information was on their Zoning Permit. As a result, Mr. Boyd applied for this new Special Use Permit. The current Special Use Permit only allows the storage of police impounded vehicles for 30 days. Even though the Code allows that vehicles being held in the custody of a pi has several duplexes. The Mayor commented that the Town has more than its share of rental property. Mr. Altice commented that he supports the property being improved as a duplex and Mr. Adams commented that he would rather see the property as a duplex than see it vacant. The Mayor asked if the property has been vacant and Ms. Turman responded only since it was foreclosed on in September. She began getting calls in October from investors inquiring if the property could be a duplex. Mr. Hare asked if Mr. Varney, who was present at the meeting, could give his comments, Mr. Jason Varney, owner of the subject property, commented that his business model is to help people. Since the foreclosure crisis, a lot of geoQle have been locked out of the mort,.;.av-e market which has created a demand for quality, affordable rental housing, He would like to turn this property into thal type of housing to help two families. When asked if he thought he could rent it as a single-family dwelling, his response was that the utility costs may be an issue. When asked how much investment would he be making in the property, Mr. Varney responded $30-40,000 which is based on another similar renovation he has done. The Mayor called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Town Clerk called the roll with Council Member Adams, Council Member Altice, Council Member Hare, Vice Mayor Nance, and Mayor Grose present, After a Moment of Silence, Mr. Altice led the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag. Concerning the consent agenda, Mr. Hare made a motion that the approval of the March 5, 2013 minutes be postponed to the March 19, 2013 meeting; the motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Nance and carried by the following vote, with all members voting. Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) —Adams, Altice, Hare, Nance, Grose; Nays (0) The next item on the agenda was to recognize Doris Ross and Billie Jo O'Connor, both employees of Magic City Ford, for their heroic act in going to the aid of a customer in need of medical attention. The Mayor presented each with a Certificate of Appreciation and Ms. Ross gave brief comments explaining the incident and how they were able to assist a customer. Because they were not able to contact the customer by telephone, they went to the home and upon discovering newspapers outside, they called 9-1-1 and were able to get her much Postponed approval of minutes Council's regular meeting of Mar 5, 2013 to the March 19, 201 Council meeting I 0 Vice Mayor Nance read a letter from Chief Cook naming Sergeant Fabricio Drumond and Officer Steven Foutz as Police Officers of the month for February 2013, The next item on the agenda was a request for funding presentation by the American Red Cross - Roanoke Valley Chapter. Ms. Heather Robertson, Major Gifts Officer, gave a brief presentation explaining the purpose of the Red Cross. The funding they are requesting from Vinton will support their Disaster Relief and their Service to Armed Forces programs. Mr, Hare aske.0 why AL-* were no['! fun bLyi, United Wao last_�Near. Ms. Robertson responded that for FY2013, United Way realigned their priorities and the Red Cross did not meet the new criteria. For FY2014 they are working United Way to see how they can align with their new priorities and will be submitting a proposal to them. They did not receive funding from Vinton last year because they did not apply, but have received funding in the past. They are interested in re-establishing that relationship and partnership that they had in the past. The next item was a presentation by Beth Doughty on behalf of the Roanoke Regional Partnership, Ms. Doughty gave a Power Point presentation relating to four topics —business development, image building, asset development and information resources, After comments regarding the history of the Partnership, she presented statistics of 167 inquiries and 74 projects in 2012 along with 24 prospects. A list of 13 successful projects (five were expansions) created a total of 549 jobs and new investment of $50.2 million. The total economic impact was $322 million and 1, 159 jobs. Ms. Doughty commented on image building and the use of all media avenues from printed documents to the internet. There were 207,646 visitors to the Partnership's website in 2012. As far as asset development, the focus for the area is on the outdoors and what we have to offer. A 4— Lff, it -0:• tynt?m 'A town by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine as well as the Blue Ridge Marathon and the recognition of our bicycling initiatives. The next goal is to grow businesses and attract businesses that want to be associated with the outdoors. Regarding information resources, there were 282 information requests in 2012. The Partnership also compiles and provides customized reports such as competitive position in real estate, best practices in sustainability in mid -sized regions and where is tottorrow's workforce, kil Mr. Hare complimented Mr, Miles • his report. He asked .s• the bond a-• and the response was the •• •-• was retired two years «►• Mr. Hare then asked if the Authority foresees any future debt needs an4l, the •• was the possibility • replacing • of the gondolas • the rail cars that they load the trash into, There are 25 of them, but they would not have to replace all • them at one time. A lot will depend • the • with Norfolk Southern in 2018 and if they continue to use the gondolas • convert to shipping • on Mr. Hare then asked where were they now utilizing the funds they were using to pay the debt and the response was to cover the deficit budget they have been operating in for the past six years. Mr. Hare asked why the Authority is only asking for $2 increase as opposed to a $4 increase. Mr. Miles responded that they could go two more years without a rate increase, but the real problem will be four or five years down the road. Another factor has been the investment income which has gone from $1 million a year ten years ago down to $27,000 this year on the reserves. The Board decided to go ahead and propose the increase this year instead of waiting. Mr. Adams asked how much more time is left on the current site and the response is they stop calculating in 100 years, The Mayor commented that the cost per household presented by Mr. Miles is for disposal only and does not include what it cost the Town to pick up the trash. Mr. Miles agreed and said the Town's total cost is around $13.00 per household per month which includes the $3.50 for the disposal, This is a very reasonable cost compared to other localities. The Town Manager commented that our recycling helps to reduce our costs 2s well. I , I - VtTIIIIII of 421 Walnut Avenue, Vinton, expressed his safety concerns to Council regarding the intersection of Eas) Cleveland and South Pollard, He has walked across the intersection numerous times along with other pedestrians and has almost beenHe mentioned the signs that the City of Salem has on their streets and he would like to see the Town consider the same type of signs and the painted crosswalks. Also, the same problem exists in front of the library, crossing over Washington Avenue. LVARMN-Mo MOM-111TOU-N# «# Sol corridor involved with the grant we have recently received and will be improved for pedestrian crossing. Also, he W ai5v library being built. Mr, Hare asked if staff could check with Salem to see if their signs have helped with the problem, The Mayor also commented that it should be referred to the Safety Committ-- a ##. # ,oning, Article V1, Nonconforming - Uses and Features of the Town Code, Ms. McMillan gave a V-WNIMENITI - 77IRMI-N two additional changes were made to Sections 6-4 and 6- 10. Section 6-4 relates to allowing nonconforming single- family dwellings in the General Business District to continue as a single-family dwelling if the property owners are not able to afford to convert the structures to meet building code requirements for commercial uses. Currently there is a house on the corner of 5�h and Cleveland that has been vacant for more than two years. The granddaughter inherited the house and has inquired if she can use it as a single-family house. This amendment to the Code will allow her to do that. The other minor change is to clarify Section 6-10 that il property does not have any road frontage and the owners want to expand or develop, they should be allowed to get a Special Use Permit for that purpose. However, if the loi has been recorded prior to 1975, such as the vacant parcel at the River Park Shopping Center, we should not require them to have a Special Use Permit. The Town Manager commented concerning the house at 5 Ih and Cleveland that the Town was able to confirm power connection and the owner will be allowed to use it as a single-family dwelling. After the sta6 report, the Mayor opened the Public Hearing at 8:20 p.m. Hearing no comments, the Public Hearing was closed at 8:21 p.m. Mr, Hare made a motion to adopt the Ordinance amending Appendix B, Zoning, Article VI, Nonconforming Uses and Features of the Town Code as presented; the motion was seconded by Council Member Altice and carried by the following roll call vote, with all members voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) — Adams, Altice, Hare, Nance, Grose; Nays, (0). The next item on the agenda was a Public Hearing to receive comments regarding a proposed Ordinance to regarding setting of the real estate, personal property and machinery and tools tax rates for calendar year 2013. Mr, Thompson, Finance Director/Treasurer, gave brief comments. A summary of the assessed values for 2013 less new construction gave a net decrease of $10,063,900, This accounts for a decrease of $2,912 in tax levy for the year which is an assessment decrease of 2.08%. Since our rates are not being changed, we were not required by State Code to have a public hearing, but we did advertise the tax rates in The Messenger and offered a time for public comment. After the staff report, the Mayor opened the Public Hearing at 8:29 p.m. Hearing no comments, the Public Hearing was closed at 8:30 p.m. Adopted Ordinance No. 9 amending Appendix B, Zonin Article VI, Nonconforming Us and Features of the Town Code I M Vice Mayor Nance made a motion to adopt the Ordinance Adopted Ordinance No. 932 setting setting the real estate tax rate for calendar year 2013 as the real estate tax rate for calendar presented; the motion was seconded by Mr. Adams, and year2013 carried by the following roll call vote, with all members voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) — Adams, Altice, Hare, Nance, Grose; Nays (0). Mr. Altice made a motion to adopt the Ordinance setting the personal property and machinery and tools tax rate for calendar year 2013 as presented; the motion was Adopted Ordinance No. 933 setting seconded by Vice Mayor Nance, and carried by the the personal property and following roll call vote, with all members voting: Vote 5-0; machinery and tools tax rate for Adams, Altice, Hare, Nance, Grose;calendar year 2013 The next item for consideration was a Resolution to set the allocation percentage for the Personal Property Tax Relief for the 2013 tax year. Mr. Thompson made brief comments and indicated that the rate for the Town is 64.48%. Mr. Hare made a motion to adopt the Resolution as presented; the motion was seconded by Mr. Adams and Adopted Resolution No, 2008 carried by the following roll call vote, with all members setting the allocation percentage voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) — Adams, Altice, Hare, Nance, for the Personal Property Tax Grose; Nays (0), Relief for the 2013 tax year The next item on the agenda was a briefing on the Town's branding/marketing initiative. The Town Manager made comments that the Town began work on branding several years ago and it was included in the Master Plan Scope of Work. There were some proposals at that time with a lot of feedback and we need to build on that study to come up with the brand, the logo and a tag line to include the entire Town, Ryan Spitzer, Assistant to the Town Manager, commented that the proposal is envisioned to be a six-month process. The timing coincides with marketing efforts for War Memorial for weddings and for getting the Downtown Grant project started. The process includes the formation of a Committee consisting of one Council Member, staff members and interested citizens. An RFP needs to be prepared to solicit bids for a marketing firm to do the work. Initial fees for the marketing firm will be covered in the CDBG Grant in the amount of $5,000 as well as the Town's 50% match of $5,000. Additional funds are available this year from the War Memorial's advertising budget, The Committee would work with the marketing firm selected to fevelop the process for the branding. Community meetings will also be held to get public input. All ideas and *ronos-As will *e broi •- O OLJ* *1 for fi-t2,I 2 1 Iagm-glog. 1* lgworrg AN# to] Ar';m] Ago E4 61,70MV-1 nei A&VATMA NMI an la"01-7myrn 10 IN guidelines for fagade and other improvements. The Town will have to sign a Programmatic Agreement with the DHR for them to have the ability to review. Mr. Hare asked if our current fagade program keeps us in conformity with what they want and the response was the guidelines follow 1940 guidelines. a a ago im Mr, Hare asked if Roanoke City had to do this with some of the redevelopments they have done. Did the City do this or did the developers do it? The Town Manager indicated he would have to find out, but with a lot of those redevelopments either the City or the Roanoke Redevelopment Authority is directly part of that development process. Mr. Hare commented that he is supportive of the potential for the building being studied but he has concerns. Vice Mayor Nance commented that a building of this type is going to require a private entity or investor. He feels that The Town fflanager mentioned that in conjunction wit the County's next step to move forward with the design the Vinton Library, Mike Altizer, our County Superviso had asked that a tour be organized of the South Coun Library for any interested parties, This has be scheduled for Monday, March 25, 2013, at 1:00 p, Also, they are shooting for a public mid -April Kick - Library Design Meeting at the War Memorial. I Based on Council's request for monthly reports from departments, an Executive Summary and copies of all reports will now be posted in Drop Box every month before the second meeting. The Mayor expressed thanks for the monthly reports that the departments have provided, Mr. Hare made brief comments regarding the January 2013 financial report, This report has a new format and provides additional information which can be reviewed in more detail at a future meeting, Overall we continue to exceed revenues in the general fund and utility fund and expenditures continue to be under what we expect them to be at this time of the year. From a cash standpoint we are about $300,000 less in cash than last month, but that is due to the fact that Mr, Thompson has been able to transfer additional funds to more investments. Mr. Hare moved that Council approve the January 2013 financial report, the motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Nance and carried by the following vote, with all members voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) — Adams, Altice, Hare, Nance, Grose; Nays (0) — None. Comments from Council Members: Vice Mayor Nance made comments regarding the briefing at the last meeting on the proposed Extraterritorial Agreement between the local enforcement agencies. He is very much in favor of Vinton entering into this Agreement based on his experience. They are used very Approved January 2013 financiL"Il report I 12 infrequently and he has never seen it abused by an officer to go out of his jurisdiction and perpetrate an injustice on other individuals. There are civil actions, amendment rights and suppressions that keep any officer from doing that. Mostly it is used, for example, when an officer has left his jurisdiction, is driving home and sees a vehicle that is causing a public safety issue. This Agreement allows that officer to stop the vehicle and make any necessary arrest without having to wait for an officer from that jurisdiction to come and handle the situation. It is a very effective tool of cooperation and strongly urges the adoption by Council. Mr. Adams made a motion that Council go into z Closed Meeting pursuant to § 22-3711 A (6) of the 195# Code of Virginia, as amended, for discussion or consideration of the investment of public funds; the motion was seconded by Mr. Altice and carried by the following vote, with all members voting: Vote -- Adams, Altice, Hare, Nance, Grose; Nays (0) — None. Council went into Closed Meeting at 9:30 p.m. At 10:03 p.m., the regular meeting reconvened and the Certification that the Closed Meeting was held in accordance with State Code requirements was approved on motion by Mr. Altice, seconded by Mr. Adams and carried by the following roll vote, with all members voting: Vote 5-0; Yeas (5) — Adams, Altice, Hare, Nance, Grose; Nays (0) — None. The meeting was adjourned at 10:04 P, M. APPROVED: Bradley L*�Se' M(gy,ay Susan N, Johnson, T wn Clerk 13 I I I % 1 01 1 i 11 hwgAj if] -.411 y WAVATI y y I a y I I WK-41 11 X01 &I I all 113 = WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Vinton, Virginia has convened a closed meeting on this date, pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and, WHEREAS, Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by the Vinton Town Council that such closed meeting was conducted in confon-nity with Virginia Law, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Vinton Town Council hereby certifies that to the best of each member's knowledge: I Only public business matters lawfully exempted from opening meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the closed meeting to which this certification applies; and 2. Only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the closed meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Town Council. Motion made by Council Member Altice and seconded by Council Member Adams, with all in favor. 00-41) Clerk of Council