1-19-91 Minutes

An adjourned meeting of the Council of the City of Bedford, Virginia, from the January 11, 1991, regular meeting was held at Otter's Den, on January 19, 1991, at 9:00 a.m.

Members present: Mayor G. Michael Shelton; Councilman Larry D. Brookshier; Councilwoman Joanne A. Grahame; Councilman Payton M. Otey; Vice Mayor John M. Owen, III; Councilman Ronnie C. Rice; and Councilman James A. Vest.

Members absent: None.

Staff present: City Manager Jack A. Gross; City Attorney W. W. Berry, IV; and Clerk of the Council Teresa W. Hatcher; Assistant to the City Manager Barry Thompson; and Chief of Police Milton Graham.

Mayor Shelton opened the meeting, and Council observed a moment of silence in support of the troops serving in the war in the Middle East.

Mayor Shelton introduced Mr. Mark Emick, Assistant to the President at Virginia Western Community College. Mayor Shelton stated that Mr. Emick would serve as facilitator for the meeting.

City Manager Gross reviewed with Council very preliminary financial projections for the 1991-92 budget:

No major increases in revenue are expected. Revenue is not going to come up to what was expected primarily because of losses from the State. As work on the budget begins, preliminary information shows that the City is looking at approximately $419,113 in reductions from expectations.

Mr. Gross reviewed areas of possible sources for the new budget amounting to approximately $733,000.

Mr. Gross reviewed areas of unavoidable expenses, such as school expenses and liability insurance costs.

Modest increase in salaries and wages of approximately three percent.

Reduction in Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budget from $500,000 to $350,000.

Zero budget growth. Target is not to reduce any services.

Council discussed the new library construction, the Wharton Building and Harris Electric Property.

Mayor Shelton indicated that he would request the Council Library Committee to prepare to set a date with the Library Board's Committee to begin the process of selection of the architectual firm to conduct a master plan of a new library.

Discussion ensued regarding a community center/field house and "Old Yellow" (old elementary school).

The City Manager is to incorporate in the 1991-92 budget funds for asbestos removal from "Old Yellow"; and to study the feasibility of that site for use as a community center.

Councilwoman Grahame moved that Council adjourn into executive session pursuant to the Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended, Section 2.1-344(a)(1) litigation and 2.1-344(a)(7) consultation with legal counsel and staff regarding the Moratorium and Connection Policy (Water and Sewer), relations with Bedford County, and Citizen-Petition Annexations. The motion was seconded by Councilman Rice, voted upon and carried unanimously by the following roll call vote:

Councilman Brookshier aye

Councilwoman Grahame aye

Councilman Otey aye

Vice Mayor Owen aye

Councilman Rice aye

Councilman Vest aye

Mayor Shelton aye

Council adjourned into executive session at 11:10 a.m. Non-council members attending were: City Manager Gross, City Attorney Berry, Clerk of Council Hatcher, Assistant to the City Manager Thompson, and Chief of Police Graham.

Council reconvened into open session at 12:07 p.m.

The Clerk of Council read aloud the following resolution:

On motion by Councilwoman Grahame, seconded by Councilman Otey, voted upon and carried unanimously, Council approved the resolution as read. Roll call vote follows:

Councilwoman Grahame aye

Councilman Otey aye

Vice Mayor Owen aye

Councilman Rice aye

Councilman Vest aye

Councilman Brookshier aye

Mayor Shelton aye

Discussion ensued regarding communication of City policies to the citizens. Items discussed were possible use of a public access channel on the cable TV system to broadcast Council meetings, agendas, and minutes; use of a newsletter; and Council members being available to speak at meetings of area organizations and clubs.

The City Manager stated that funds in the amount of $427,000 are included in the bond issue for Infiltration and Inflow (I & I) work. He said there would be approximately 14,000 linear feet of sewer line replaced and 75 manholes. He stated that the City probably will not have to devote major portions of the City's I & I program for the next 3 to 5 years because of the funds being included in the bond issue.

Discussion ensued regarding the water and sewer rates. Councilman Rice expressed concern that the City loses money each year. The City Manager stated that it has been the City's policy to do some supplementing, particularly in capital expenditures for improve-ments in the sewer and water system, by transfers from the General Fund. He said that some of that is probably required to make water and sewer affordable to the average person.

Council discussed continuing the joint certification and industrial park with Bedford County. Mayor Shelton stated that he felt it has to be shown to Council that if the City goes into this, that there is an equitable revenue sharing arrangement that could be developed. Mayor Shelton questioned the likelihood of the County being able to get a revenue sharing agreement for this approved by the voters of Bedford County.

Mayor Shelton asked the City Manager to talk with the County Administrator regarding the revenue sharing concept and what the County's legal responsibilities are under the State Code in terms of an agreement like this.

The City Manager gave an update on the closure plan for the landfill site. He stated that the City has to have a closure and monitoring plan that is operational on approximately 5.5 acres presently in use at the landfill by July 1, 1992. Mr. Gross stated that means that the City has to close the old landfill, have a plan for doing that; open the new landfill, and have a plan for doing that by July 1, 1992. The estimated cost for that is $700,000. Mr. Gross said that the City has asked for a variance which will allow the City to use the present site until 1994. The City will continue to use the present site, a closure plan is set up for that; and then open up a site right next to it. He stated that if the City combines that with a very aggressive program of recycling, the City will probably have 15 to 20 years' use of the present site. Mr. Gross stated that he would like to come back to Council with a plan for mandatory recycling.

Discussion ensued regarding mandatory recycling and the present pilot recycling program going on in the City.

The Council Solid Waste Committee is to work with the staff, gathering information from the Citizens for Recycling Committee regarding a recycling plan, and report back to Council within the next six to nine months.

Discussion ensued regarding the joint school contract.

The City Manager stated that he felt it would be appropriate to do a study prior to the renewal of the contract to see what the costs are, relative to the services that are received.

There was discussion regarding a joint dispatch system with the County. Chief Graham stated that there are advantages and problems with a joint system.

Discussion regarding a City Industrial Park and land for a new sewage treatment plant ensued. The City Manager is to schedule a joint meeting of the Property Committee and the Water and Sewer Committee concerning locating land for a sewage treatment plant.

Council discussed the City's responsibility to put in place plans to ensure that this community has sufficient water and solid waste facilities in years to come. The City Manager stated that the City has sufficient resources presently for the kind of growth the City has been experiencing for years.

Vice Mayor Owen discussed with Council the concept of establishing Public Service Districts.

Councilman Brookshier recommended that Council maintain the same level of funding for street paving as last year.

City Manager Gross is to furnish Council with a list of streets and when those streets are paved.

Councilman Brookshier asked if there were any plans to improve the intersection at Jackson Street and Bridge Street.

The City Manager will check into any possible improvements that could be made to the intersection and bring back suggestions to the Street Committee. Mr. Gross stated that a traffic counter would be set up at that intersection; and recommendations from the Street Committee could be based on the counter information.

The City Manager gave a brief update on the status of the completion of Independence Boulevard. He stated that the cost to complete the project right now is $2,800,000, and the City's share is approximately $200,000. The official completion date is 2003; however, the City has been told by the Resident Engineer's Office that the date to advertise the rest of this project is July 7, 1995.

Discussion ensued regarding the intersection on Route 460 at the Golden Corral Restaurant.

There was discussion of adding street lights in the Golden Corral area and on the way to Wal-Mart. Mr. Thompson stated that the staff is already working on this. Mr. Gross stated that the City is going to provide the Highway Department with a lighting plan and cost figures.

Discussion ensued regarding the grade of paving being used by the City.

There was discussion regarding sidewalks. The City Manager is to put $60,000 in the 1991-92 budget for sidewalks, which will be held over until the 1992-93 budget in order to build up the sidewalk account.

The City Manager is to continue in the budget the 1/2 of 1 percent funding for Storm Drains, Special Projects.

There was discussion regarding assessment of real estate taxes on property in the City. The Mayor and City Manager will meet with the Commissioner of the Revenue regarding the best method to deal with assessments and collection of taxes, and report back to Council before action is taken.

Councilman Vest expressed his concern that Council continue funding the Capital Budget at the level necessary for proper maintenance of equipment and projects that are necessary.

Discussion ensued regarding salaries of City employees.

Mayor Shelton adjourned the meeting at 4:52 p.m.