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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/24/2008 - City Council - Minutes - Regular March 24, 2008 A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Salem, Virginia, was held in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 114 North Broad Street, on March 24, 2008, at 7:30 p.m., there being present all the members of said Council, to wit: Howard C. Packett, John C. Givens, Jane W. Johnson, John Christopher Clemens, and Byron R. Foley; with Howard C. Packett, Mayor, presiding; together with Kevin S. Boggess, City Manager; Krystal M. Coleman, Deputy Clerk of Council; Angela Sellers, Assistant Director of Finance; Melinda J. Payne, Director of Planning and Economic Development; Charles E. Van Allman, Jr., City Engineer; and Stephen M. Yost, City Attorney; and the following business was transacted: The minutes of the regular meeting of March 10, 2008, were approved as written. The report by the Director of Finance of the City’s financial status for a eight-month period ending February 29, 2008, was received and ordered filed. The report by the City Manager of the City’s activities for the month of February 2008 was received and ordered filed. Mayor Packett requested that Council consider adopting Resolution 1106 commending and congratulating the United States Army Reserve on the occasion of its 100th anniversary; and WHEREAS, the Deputy Clerk of Council read the resolution; and WHEREAS, Mayor Packett stated that the following representatives from the United States Army Reserve were present at the meeting: Michael F. Kavanaugh, U. S. Army Reserve Ambassador; Major General James Archer, Commanding General 95th Division; and Sergeant First Class Patrick Walters, Station Commander for the Roanoke Recruiting Station; and WHEREAS, Mayor Packett presented a copy of the resolution to Mr. Kavanaugh; ITEM 1 RESOLUTION 1106 ADOPTED COMMENDING AND CONGRATULAT- ING THE US ARMY RESERVE ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY 2 ON MOTION MADE BY VICE MAYOR GIVENS, SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON, AND DULY CARRIED, Resolution 1106 was hereby adopted commending the United States Army Reserve on the occasion of its 100th Anniversary: (HERE SET OUT RESOLUTION 1106) -- roll call vote: all – aye. Mayor Packett reported that this date, place, and time had been set for a public hearing to consider the request of Jerry Barnes and Associates, Inc., for the adoption of an agreement authorizing the relocation of portions of boundary lines between the City of Salem Tax Map #’s 31-2-1.1 and 31-2-1 and Roanoke County Tax Map #46.07-1-2; and WHEREAS, the Deputy Clerk of Council reported that notice of such public hearing had been published in the March 14 and 21, 2008, issues of The Roanoke Times, a newspaper having general circulation in the City of Salem; and WHEREAS, Roy Creasy, attorney for Barnes and Associates, Inc., appeared before the Council to explain the request; he stated that the property owner is requesting the boundary line between the City of Salem and Roanoke County be adjusted so that two portions of a lot can be joined to create one buildable lot to be located in the City of Salem; he further stated that the County of Roanoke is agreeable to this, as well; and WHEREAS, the City Attorney stated that Roanoke County will consider the request at a meeting on March 25, 2008; he stated that this is a process that has happened once or twice over the years; he further explained the process necessary for the boundary lines to be adjusted; he stated that the Circuit Court approves the change in the corporate boundary; and WHEREAS, no other person(s) appeared related to said request; ITEM 2 AGREEMENT APPROVED AUTHORIZING THE RELOCATION OF PORTIONS OF BOUNDARY LINES BETWEEN THE CITY OF SALEM TAX MAP #’S 31-2-1.1 & 31-2-1 AND ROANOKE COUNTY TAX MAP #46.07-1-2 AT THE REQUEST OF JERRY BARNES AND ASSOCIATES, INC. 3 ON MOTION MADE BY COUNCILMAN CLEMENS, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR GIVENS AND DULY CARRIED, the request of Jerry Barnes and Associates, Inc., for approving an agreement authorizing the relocation of portions of boundary lines between the City of Salem Tax Map Numbers 31-2-1.1 and 31-2-1 and Roanoke County Tax Map Number 46.07-1-2 was hereby approved -- the roll call vote: all – aye. Mayor Packett reported that this date, and time had been set for a public hearing to consider the sale of an approximate 0.340 -acre tract of City-owned property located at 1101 Texas Street, being a portion of Tax Map #148 -1-2; and WHEREAS, the Deputy Clerk of Council reported that notice of such public hearing had been published in the March 13, 2008, issue of the Salem Times- Register, a newspaper published and having general circulation in the City of Salem; and WHEREAS, Mark Johnson, 1105 Debra Lane, appeared before the Council and stated that the Salem Family YMCA is a positive influence on the community; he stated that 81 percent of its members are family members; almost 25 percent of its members are under the age of 18; he further stated that almost 1,000 people per day visit the Salem Y during the busy season; he stated that 365 families are receiving just over $175,000 in financial assistance going toward memberships and programs during the last year; he stated that 5,500 of the 8,300 members are Salem residents; 300 children participate in summer camps each year; 62 children are signed up for the middle school program that started this year where the Y bus brings children from the middle school to the Y to make sure they have a positive, safe place to be after school; 60 children were enrolled in Magic Place, 1,100 children were taught to swim last year, 320 Salem elementary second graders participated in the water safety program Safe Splash last year; he further stated that the parcel the YMCA would like to purchase ITEM 3 SALE OF AN APPROXIMATE 0.340-ACRE TRACT OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1101 TEXAS STREET, P/O TAX MAP #148-1-2 APPROVED TO SALEM FAMILY YMCA 4 would allow the facility to add 6,000 square feet of new space and would allow the YMCA to be able to move some things around within the facility, which would allow approximately 8,300 square feet of new space and another 2,800 square feet to renovate; he stated that the end result would be additional wellness, aerobic, and youth and family space and would translate into an additional 150 children being able to participate in summer camps; an additional 410 teenagers, adult, and seniors being be able to participate in physical activity every week; it would double the capacity for senior aerobics and the kid fit program for elementary-age children during the summer; he further stated that the property is space the Salem YMCA could use; and WHEREAS, Councilman Clemens questioned the time-frame for the construction and renovation; and WHEREAS, Mr. Johnson stated that the fundraising will start next month (April) and go on for approximately two months with groundbreaking in the fall if everything goes well; and WHEREAS, Councilwoman Johnson questioned if there would be more classes offered, or would classes be offered to larger groups; and WHEREAS, Mr. Johnson stated that there would be more classes offered with the rooms being larger to allow more members to attend; and WHEREAS, no other person(s) appeared related to said request; ON MOTION MADE BY COUNCILMAN CLEMENS, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN FOLEY, AND DULY CARRIED, the sale of an approximate 0.340 -acre tract of City-owned property located at 1101 Texas Street (P/O Tax Map #148-1- 2) to the Salem Family YMCA was hereby approved -- the roll call vote: all – aye. Mayor Packett reported that this date, and time had been set to hold a public hearing to consider amending Chapter 26, Article II, Section 26-42, of The Code of the City of Salem, Virginia, regarding Precinct E or Southside Hills ITEM 4 ORDINANCE PASSED WITH EMERGENCY PROVISIONS AMENDING CHAPTER 26, ARTICLE II, SECTION 26-42 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, REGARDING PRECINCT E OR SOUTHSIDE HILLS PRECINCT 5 Precinct; and WHEREAS, the Deputy Clerk of Council reported that notice of such public hearing had been published in the March 6 and 13, 2008, issues of the Salem Times-Register, a newspaper published and having general circulation in the City of Salem; and WHEREAS, it was noted that this change in precinct is being done to remedy some issues with a voting precinct being located at a school; and WHEREAS, no person(s) appeared related to this request; ON MOTION MADE BY COUNCILMAN CLEMENS, SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON, AND DULY CARRIED, the following ordinance was duly passed and adopted with emergency provisions: (HERE SET OUT ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 26-43(b) OF THE CITY CODE) -- the roll call vote: all – aye. Mayor Packett reported that this date, and time had been set to hold a public hearing and consider adopting Resolution 1107 appointing viewers to consider permanently vacating the alley running between Lots 1 and 17, Section 28, Salem Development Company, 102 to 120 Bowman Avenue; and WHEREAS, the Deputy Clerk of Council reported that notice of such public hearing had been published in the March 6 and 13, 2008, issues of the Salem Times-Register, a newspaper published and having general circulation in the City of Salem; and WHEREAS, Laura Wright, Attorney for the petitioner David Gordon, 3621 Manassas Drive, Suite C, Roanoke, appeared before the Council to explain the request; she stated that this is an undeveloped alley that would add to the amount of property Mr. Gordon owns, as well as the other property owners; she stated that the alley is located between two vacated streets and would benefit ITEM 5 RESOLUTION 1107 ADOPTED APPOINTING VIEWERS TO CONSIDER PERMANENTLY VACATING THE ALLEY RUNNING BETWEEN LOTS 1 AND 17, SECTION 28, SALEM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, 102 TO 120 BOWMAN AVENUE 6 the City by adding more value to the properties, thus creating more tax revenue ; and WHEREAS, Dave Lopez, 106 Bowman Avenue, appeared before the Council to ask why the petitioner wants to close the alley; he stated that he does not know the petitioner and does not understand why he wants the alley closed; he further stated that there is a house being built a couple of houses away from his residence and the owner has been digging into the hillside and it is a mess; and WHEREAS, Ms. Wright stated that the petitioner is in the process of building a house on the property and plans to reside in the house; she stated that if the alley is vacated, it would add more land to the property; she stated that she feels like the petitioner will clean up the property as construction is completed on the property; and WHEREAS, Mr. Lopez stated that he is concerned with the construction of the residence on the property; and WHEREAS, Teresa Lopez, 106 Bowman Avenue, appeared before the Council and stated that she is concerned about the construction on the property because if the owner keeps digging into the hillside, he will need to construct a retaining wall or the hillside will collapse; and WHEREAS, a discussion was held regarding the construction on the property and the hillside; and WHEREAS, it was noted that the City Engineer will look into the situation and will go with the viewers to answer any questions they have; and WHEREAS, it was noted that Council will not make a decision regarding the vacation of the alley at this meeting; and WHEREAS, no other person(s) appeared related to this request; ON MOTION MADE BY COUNCILMAN FOLEY, SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON, AND DULY CARRIED, Resolution 1107 was hereby 7 adopted appointing viewers to consider permanently vacating the alley running between Lots 1 and 17, Section 28, Salem Development Company, 102 to 120 Bowman Avenue: (HERE SET OUT RESOLUTION 1107) -- the roll call vote: all – aye. Mayor Packett reported that this date, and time had been set to hold a public hearing to consider amendments to the 2007-2008 budget; and WHEREAS, the Deputy Clerk of Council reported that notice of such public hearing had been published in the March 20 , 2008, issue of the Salem Times - Register, a newspaper published and having general circulation in the City of Salem; and WHEREAS, Vice Mayor Givens, Chairman of Council’s Audit-Finance Committee, reported that due to certain events and circumstances that have taken place that were unexpected when the original budget was prepared, there is a need for budget amendments; he stated the Committee reviewed the proposed budget amendments in detail as presented in the memorandum from the City Manager and the Director of Finance and recommends Council approve them; and WHEREAS, no one appeared in opposition to the proposed mid-year budget amendments; ON MOTION MADE BY VICE MAYOR GIVENS, SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON, AND DULY CARRIED, the 2007-2008 Mid-Year Budget Amendments are hereby approved as follows: (HERE SET OUT MID-YEAR BUDGET AMENDMENTS) -- the roll call vote: all – aye. ITEM 6 MID-YEAR BUDGET AMENDMENTS APPROVED 8 Mayor Packet reported that Council at its regular meeting held on March 10, 2008, passed an ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 106, Article II District Regulations, Section 106-202.3(A) of The Code of the City of Salem, Virginia, pertaining to establishing a minimum lot width in RSF Residential Single Family District zoning; ON MOTION MADE BY VICE MAYOR GIVENS, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN CLEMENS, AND DULY CARRIED, the following ordinance was duly passed and adopted on second reading: (HERE SET OUT ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 106, ARTICLE II DISTRICT REGULATIONS, SECTION 106-202.3(A) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, PERTAINING TO ESTABLISHING A MINIMUM LOT WIDTH IN RSF) -- the roll call vote: all – aye. Mayor Packett reported that Council at its March 10, 2008, meeting passed an ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 106, Article II District Regulations, Section 106-204.3(A) of The Code of the City of Salem, Virginia, pertaining to establishing a minimum lot width in RMF Residential Multi -Family District; ON MOTION MADE BY VICE MAYOR GIVENS, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN CLEMENS, AND DULY CARRIED, the following ordinance was duly passed and adopted on second reading: (HERE SET OUT ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 106, ARTICLE II DISTRICT REGULATIONS, SECTION 106-204.3(A) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, PERTAINING TO ESTABLISHING A MINIMUM LOT WIDTH IN RMF) -- the roll call vote: all – aye. Mayor Packett requested that Council consider adopting Resolution 1108 authorizing the City’s participation in the Virginia Juvenile Community Crime ITEM 7 ORDINANCE ADOPTED AMENDING CHAPTER 106, ARTICLE II DISTRICT REGULATIONS, SECTION 106- 202.3(A) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, PERTAINING TO ESTABLISHING A MINIMUM LOT WIDTH IN RSF ITEM 9 RESOLUTION 1108 APPROVED AUTHORIZING THE CITY’S PARTICIPATION IN THE VIRGINIA JUVENILE COMMUNITY CRIME CONTROL ACT ITEM 8 ORDINANCE ADOPTED AMENDING CHAPTER 106, ARTICLE II DISTRICT REGULATIONS, SECTION 106- 204.3(A) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, PERTAINING TO ESTABLISHING A MINIMUM LOT WIDTH IN RMF 9 Control Act; ON MOTION MADE BY COUNCILMAN FOLEY, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN CLEMENS, AND DULY CARRIED, Resolution 1108 was hereby adopted authorizing the City’s participation in the Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act: (HERE SET OUT RESOLUTION 1108) -- the roll call vote: all – aye. Mayor Packett requested that Council consider a contract with G & H Contracting, Inc., for the Kiwanis Field Restroom Facilities construction; and WHEREAS, Vice Mayor Givens, Chairman of Council’s Audit-Finance Committee reported that the restroom facilities at Kiwanis Field are outdated and need to be updated; he stated that on January 22, 2008, the City issued its Request for Bids for the total replacement of this facility; on February 5, 2008, the City received the following bids: G & H Construction - $235,100; Envisions Contracting, Inc. - $264,800; Wall Construction - $277,000; and Thor, Inc. - $286,500; he stated that all bids received exceeded the funds available for the project; in accordance with the City’s Purchasing Policy, the City entered into negotiations with the low bidder, G & H Construction; as a result, a new contract was negotiated at a price of $199,954; the alternative version of the scope of the project was negotiated by the Assistant City Manager, the Director of Streets and General Maintenance, the Director of Parks and Recreation, and the Director of Finance; the Committee recommends approval of a contract with G & H Construction for the construction of Kiwanis Field restroom facilities in the amount of $199,954; funding for the project is included in the Capital Projects Fund; ON MOTION MADE BY VICE MAYOR GIVENS, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN CLEMENS, AND DULY CARRIED, a contract with G & H ITEM 10 CONTRACT APPROVED WITH G & H CONTRACTING, INC., FOR THE KIWANIS FIELD RESTROOM FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $199,954 10 Construction for the construction of Kiwanis Field restroom facilities was hereby approved in the amount of $199,954; funding for the project is included in the Capital Projects Fund -- the roll call vote: all – aye. Mayor Packett requested that Council consider adopting Resolution 1109 closing Main Street on September 13, 2008, for Olde Salem Days festivities ; and WHEREAS, Councilwoman Johnson stated that she would like the Jaycees to come before Council after Olde Salem Days to present a report to Council stating how the proceeds from Olde Salem Days were divided among the various charities the Jaycees support; ON MOTION MADE BY COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN CLEMENS, AND DULY CARRIED, Resolution 1109 was hereby adopted closing Main Street on September 13, 2008, for Olde Salem Days festivities: (HERE SET OUT RESOLUTION 1109) -- the roll call vote: all – aye. Mayor Packett requested that Council consider appointments to fill vacancies on various boards and commissions; ON MOTION MADE BY COUNCILMAN FOLEY, SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON, AND DULY CARRIED, Tom Bowers was hereby reappointed to the Court Community Corrections Regional Alcohol Safety Action Program Policy Board for a three-year term, said term will expire April 25, 2011 -- the roll call vote: all - aye. There being no further business to come before the Council, the same on motion adjourned at 8:05 p.m. ITEM 12 TOM BOWERS REAPPOINTED TO COURT COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS REGIONAL ALCOHOL SAFETY ACTION PROGRAM POLICY BOARD ITEM 11 RESOLUTION 1109 ADOPTED CLOSING MAIN STREET ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2008, FOR OLDE SALEM DAYS FESTIVITIES