The regular meeting of the Lawrenceville Town Council was called to order at 7:30 p.m. on April 11, 2006, by Mayor Keith W. Clarke with the following present:
Mayor Keith W. Clarke; Council members: Joyce D. Bland, H. B. Brockwell, Jr., Wilbur Hardy, J. Grady Martin, Dean Woodrow Packer and Robert F. Pecht, III; Town Attorney, W. C. Outten, Jr.; Town Manager, C. J. Dean; Adm. Assistant, Wanda Johnson; Code Enforcer, Scott Kelly; Town Clerk, Alice B. Talbert; Citizens and the press.
Absent: Council member, John J. Miller, Jr.
Roll was called.
A motion was made by Mr. Brockwell to approve the minutes of the previous meeting, suspend the reading and file. This was seconded by Mr. Hardy and carried by all ayes.
As this time had been advertised for a Public Hearing concerning the Boundary Line Adjustment Agreement, Mayor Clarke declared the Hearing open. As no one asked to speak on the matter, a motion was made by Mr. Brockwell and seconded by Mr. Hardy to close the Public Hearing. This carried by a vote of all ayes.
The next item on the agenda had been advertised for a Public Hearing concerning the adoption of an ordinance to rescind the Fire Prevention Code Article II Sections 34-31, 34-32, 34-33, 34-34 and 34-35 of the Town Code. Mayor Clarke declared the Public Hearing open. Mr. Outten explained that the Town by rescinding the Fire Prevention Code would be covered by the State Code and the State Fire Marshall. Mr. Warsley of Thomas Street asked if the Town had a fire hazard what would happen. Mr. Outten reported that the fire chief would contact the State Fire Marshall and he responds immediately. There being no further questions or comments from the citizens, a motion was made by Mr. Martin and seconded by Mr. Brockwell to close the Public Hearing. This motion carried by all ayes.
Mr. Outten reported that the Downtown Committee had met and discussed the matter of merchandise on the sidewalks. It was the recommendation of the committee to make it unlawful to place encumbrance on the sidewalks that fails to leave 42 ½ inches of clear, unencumbered sidewalk. In the past, it was unlawful to place merchandise on the sidewalks. This change would also change the zoning ordinance. A motion was made by Mr. Pecht to advertise for a Public Hearing on the proposed change at the May meeting. Mr. Brockwell seconded this motion and it carried by all ayes.
Mr. Dean reminded Council that on June 25th approximately 2,000 bike riders would be in Town between 10 am and 2 pm. Lunch will be served on Main Street.
Council had received copies of a Resolution of Transfer from Charter Communications. Mr. Dean stated that Council was asked by Charter to adopt the Resolution permitting them to transfer ownership to Cebridge Acquisition Co. LLC. Mr. Outten stated that this is something we have done in the past when the franchise has been sold. After a discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Martin and seconded by Mr. Brockwell to adopt the Resolution as presented by Mr. Outten. This motion carried by all ayes.
Mr. Dean stated that Council had copies of the proposed budget and the budget assumptions. He stated one assumption is the proposed roll back of the tax rate on real property from $.30 to $.28 on $100 assessed value due to the reassessment. The town increase was approximately 22%. A rate increase of 5% on water was another proposed change. Mr. Pecht stated that the last water rate increase was in 2004. A Comprehensive Plan, a parking lot study, airport capital, TTHM improvements, additional employee at the wastewater plant and possible garbage truck replacement were a few of the proposed expenditures. After a discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Pecht to advertise for a Public Hearing on the Proposed Budget at the May meeting. This was seconded by Mr. Brockwell and carried by the following aye vote: Bland, Brockwell Hardy, Martin, Packer and Pecht.
During Citizen Comments, Dennis Watson of 419 W. Fourth Ave stated that he was having problems with trespassers going across the railroad tracks and through his yard. For Sale signs have been pulled off a house Mr. Watson has for sale. When he asked the people to stop walking across his yard, they cursed and threatened him. He stated that he feels sure they have guns. Mr. Watson asked if something could be done. After a discussion, Chief Pond was asked to have police officers overlap their shift so the police will have more presence in the area. Chief Pond was also to check with the railroad concerning their policy on trespassing on the tracks.
Marie Temple of Lawrenceville Hills asked Council to consider extending water service to the Lawrenceville Hills residents. Mrs. Temple stated that the well water was not good to drink and some of the wells were going dry.
Michael Vaughan of Vaughan’s Embroidery stated that the sidewalks on New Street are in bad shape. Mr. Vaughan presented photos of the sidewalks for Council to review. Mr. Vaughan stated that he is getting ready to open a new business next to his embroidery shop and this would mean even more traffic. Also water drains from E E Vaughan’s and he has 2 –3 inches of water standing in front of his buildings. Mr. Pecht stated that the matter of the water was something that VDOT would need to correct, however the sidewalk repair was discussed in the Finance meeting and been included in the 06-07 budget. After a discussion, Mr. Pecht stated that there was money in this year’s budget and Mr. Dean was asked to get with Mr. Vaughan and see what can be done this fiscal year.
Mr. Dean stated that the Municipal Building is now almost 30 years old and in need of some repair. Mr. Dean had received bids with the lowest being from Michael Lopresti of Southside Contractor, Inc. in the amount of$14, 845.00. This would install vinyl soffit on the Town Hall and the Fire Department, replace light fixtures in the front hall and replace or repair light fixtures where needed and repair the wallpaper in the meeting room and in Chief Pond’s office. It was stated that the current budget had funds in building maintenance in administration, police and fire. Mr. Pecht made a motion to amend the budget under administration for building maintenance from $5,000 to $13,000 and to award the contract to Southside Contractor, Inc. This was seconded by Mr. Brockwell and carried by all ayes.
Mr. Dean reported that the bids for the contract for the Saint Paul’s College Sewer Upgrade needed to be awarded. The low bid was from Biggs Construction. A motion was made by Mr. Hardy and seconded by Mr. Pecht to authorize Mr. Dean to sign the contract and award the bid with no alternates to Biggs Construction. This carried by all ayes.
Mr. Dean reported that bids had been received for a 1-ton truck with the lowest being from State contract.
Mr. Dean reminded members of the April 22nd Spring Festival and 5 Miler. This date is also the opening date for the ballpark.
April 17-21 is the annual clean up week in Town. Hazardous materials and tires will not be picked up. Abandon vehicles will be looked at during this time also.
Mr. Dean reported that pricing for the sewer replacement from Belt to Davenport Street had been received from Biggs in the amount of $25,700. After a discussion, a motion was made to award the bid to Biggs Construction, Inc. to replace the sewer line from Belt to Davenport Street. The motion was made by Mr. Pecht, seconded by Mr. Brockwell and carried by all ayes.
Mr. Dean stated that he is still working with Ms. Raible on signage for the library.
Council was given a list of 7 businesses that have not purchased their 2006 Business Licenses. Mr. Dean asked what steps Council recommended in handling the delinquent businesses. Second notices had been mailed out on March 14th. After a discussion, Mr. Dean was instructed to call the businesses giving them until April 30 to purchase 2006 Business License and after that date turn over to Mr. Outten for legal action.
Mr. Dean stated the Class of 56 mugs presented to Council were from the Revitalization Committee and reminded Council that the Class of 56 would be in Town on April 29th. Mr. Dean also reminded Council that the “Loyalty Day” Parade would also be held on April 29th.
Dean Packer gave the following fire report: 14 calls responded to in the month of March with 13 outside the town limits, 1 inside. Approximately 14.5 man-hours were expended with the following breakdown:
Disregard 5
Structure Fire 3
Motor Vehicle Accident 2
Brush Fire 3
Shorting Electrical Equip 1
Mr. Dean stated that the new ladder truck in back in town and is now red. The ISO rating with the new truck will save citizens on insurance rates.
The personnel report was in the packets.
Mr. Hardy stated that the police report was in the packets and that three officers had received training.
Mr. Dean stated that he would explore expanding sidewalks with ISTA grants.
Mr. Dean reported that he is still exploring working with the County on the Old Primary School building.
VACANT BUILDINGS
Mr. Dean reported that letters to business owners with vacant building would be going out in order to help determine what is going to be done with the property and if the owner is interested in selling or renting. Mr. Brockwell stated that a lot has been done with the Revitalization Committee fixing up vacant buildings. Mr. Brockwell also stated that a lot has to do with Mr. Dean and his response to calls concerning available property.
Mr. Hardy reported that a position for a sewer plant operator had been advertised and hopes to have interviews shortly.
Mr. Brockwell encouraged the streets department and plants to hold safety meetings on small equipment.
Scott Kelly, Town Code Enforcer, gave a detailed report of his report to Council.
Mr. Pecht reminded members of the two festivals to be held at the airport in May. The Seafood Festival will be May 3 and the Beef and Dairy on May 17.
Mrs. Talbert reminded Council of election day on May 2 and asked that everyone go out and vote. Mrs. Talbert also reminded Council of the Relay for Life to be held on June 16th.
A motion was made by Mr. Hardy and seconded by Mr. Pecht to pay the bills in the amount of $73,074.56 and charge to the proper funds. This carried by all ayes.
A motion was made by Mr. Pecht and seconded by Dean Packer to rescind the Town Fire Code Ordinance and to fall under the Statewide Fire Code. This motion carried by all ayes.
There being no further business to come before Council, a motion was made to adjourn by Mr. Pecht and seconded by Mrs. Bland and carried.
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KEITH W. CLARKE, MAYOR
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ALICE B. TALBERT, CLERK