11-10-92 Minutes

A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Bedford, Virginia, was held in the Council Hall of the Municipal Building at 7:30 p.m., November 10, 1992.

Members present: Mayor G. Michael Shelton; Councilman Larry D. Brookshier (arrived at 7:34 p.m.); Councilwoman Joanne A. Grahame; Councilman Payton M. Otey; Councilman Ronnie C. Rice; Councilman W. D. Tharp; and Vice Mayor 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.

Mayor Shelton opened the meeting and led all present in saying the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Mayor Shelton declared that the minutes of a regular Council meeting held on October 27, 1992, were approved as mailed.

On motion by Councilman Rice, seconded by Councilman Tharp, voted upon and carried, the following item was added to the agenda:

Staff Report - Rural Economic Development Grant

Mayor Shelton reminded members of Council of the retreat to be held on November 14, 1992, at 9:00 a.m.

Councilman Brookshier arrived at 7:34 p.m.

The Clerk of Council read aloud the following public hearing notice:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The City Manager gave a brief overview of the proposed ordinances. Mr. Gross stated that a five percent tax on meals and transient occupancy is proposed. It is estimated the tax would generate $323,664 on meals each year and $22,809 on transient occupancy each year.

Mayor Shelton opened the public hearing at 7:45 p.m.

Mr. Ron Goodman, Rt. 6, Box 373c, Bedford, spoke in opposition of both proposed ordinances citing the effect on elderly persons.

Mr. Dave Thomas, Shady Knoll Avenue, Bedford, spoke in opposition to the proposed food and beverage tax.

Mrs. Angie Patterson, Snack Shop, spoke in opposition to the proposed food and beverage tax also citing the effect on elderly customers.

Mr. John Powers, 1216 Westhill Drive, Bedford, spoke in concern for the effect the proposed food and beverage tax would have on elderly customers. Mr. Powers asked Council to look at all options.

Ms. Ann Bailey, Grand Arbre Drive, spoke about the cost for administering the proposed food and beverage tax ordinance and the enforcement of the proposed ordinance.

As there were no further comments, the Mayor closed the public hearing at 8:04 p.m.

The Clerk of Council read aloud the following public hearing notice:

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

By the Authority of the Council

of the City of Bedford

Mr. English, Director of Community & Economic Development, stated that the City staff has worked for several months preparing these revisions as required and recommended under the 1990 Community Development Block Grant as an established need within the City for a commercial/light industry zone. Mr. English explained the intent of a commercial/light industry zone is to create a blend of commercial/business and light industrial uses; and that the permitted uses are not intended for heavy manufacturing. Mr. English reviewed comments made at the City Planning Commission's public hearing.

Mayor Shelton opened the public hearing at 8:14 p.m.

Mr. Rucker Stanley, 611 Orange Street, spoke regarding the effect of traffic, parking of trucks, and the effect on taxes for homeowners in the area.

Mr. Jack Hicks, owner of a business on Plunkett Street, stated he did not have time to study the proposed changes in the ordinance, as he just received a copy this evening. Mr. English stated that the proposed changes would not change Mr. Hick's business operation at all; that it would remain as it is, a non-conforming use, and that would continue under the proposal; and that Mr. Hick's business would continue to operate as it always has.

Mayor Shelton closed the public hearing at 8:28 p.m.

The consent agenda consisted of the following item:

Councilman Brookshier moved that the consent agenda be adopted. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Vest, voted upon and carried unanimously.

Elizabeth Berry-Mosley, Executive Director of Bedford Main Street, stated that Council had received a financial report on the GoKart race, which concerned only the money that Main Street took in and distributed, as well as Main Street's income.

Mr. Jimmy English stated that it is recommended that City Council and the Bedford County Board of Supervisors consider a joint application for a Rural Economic Development Grant from the Commonwealth of Virginia. Mr. English reviewed what benefits would be obtained from the grant. Mr. English stated that the City's matching funds would be $3,500 and the County's funds would be $6,500.

Council tabled this item for consideration at Council's retreat on November 14.

Councilman Brookshier moved that Council approve the rezoning of the Plunkett Street/Grove Street area to Commercial/Light Industry District and the amendments to the Land Development Regulations. The motion was seconded by Councilman Tharp. The motion was then voted upon and carried unanimously.

Council proceeded to hold its quarterly joint meeting with the City School Board.

Mrs. Janice Martinez, Chairman of the City School Board, stated that the School Board is recommending an After School Enrichment Program for students from Bedford Primary School and Bedford Elementary School. The purpose of the program would be to provide a safe, secure, enriching environment for at-risk, latchkey students during after school hours. Mrs. Martinez reviewed the proposal.

The School Board requested that Council consider appropriating $5,000 in the current FY 1992-93 budget to ensure start-up of the After School Enrichment Program in the Spring of 1993. The funds would be used for the hiring of an administrator in the Spring of 1993; promotion of the program; obtaining the necessary license, etc.

The School Board also requested a funding level of $10,000 in the FY 1993-94 budget to be used for the administrator's salary and enrichment activities.

Discussion ensued.

Mayor Shelton stated that Council would consider this item at its retreat on November 14.

Mrs. Martinez stated that the School Board is in the process of reviewing the contract between the City and the County in regard to the schools, and a presentation will be made at the next quarterly meeting.

Mrs. Martinez stated that a Discipline Committee has been established to look at the discipline problems in the schools and the Code of Conduct.

Mayor Shelton adjourned the meeting at 8:56 p.m. until 9:00 a.m., November 14, 1992, at the Otter's Den for Council's planning session.