April 12, 2011
MINUTES OF THE BROOKNEAL TOWN COUNCIL
7:00 PM – The regular meeting of the Brookneal Town Council
The municipal government of the Town of Brookneal met with the following members present:
Phyllis Campbell, Mayor
James Nowlin, Vice Mayor
Richard Adams, Robert Jean, Barbara Laprade, and Mark Wilkes, Council Members
Bobbie Waller, Clerk/Treasurer
Mike Crews, Public Works Director
Ricky Baldwin, Chief of Police
Absent: Tracy Meisenbach, Council Member
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
PUBLIC HEARING FOR ALTERATION AND VACATION OF PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY IN THE TOWN OF BROOKNEAL
Mayor Campbell said that Mid-Atlantic Broadband Cooperative has made an application to install a hut and generator off Caroline Avenue going toward the recreation park just before you get to the tennis court. According to 15.2-2006 Alteration and vacation of public rights-of-way; appeal from decision, in addition to (i) the powers contained in the charter of any locality, (ii) any powers now had by such governing bodies under the common law or (iii) powers by other provisions of law, public rights-of-way in localities may be altered or vacated on motion of such governing bodies or on application of any person after notice of intention to do so has been published.
Mayor Campbell called the public hearing to order at 7:02 p.m. No one spoke in favor or in opposition to the application from Mid-Atlantic Broadband; so therefore, Mayor Campbell closed the public hearing at 7:03 p.m.
Upon motion by Robert Jean, seconded by James Nowlin, and unanimously carried, the Council voted to allow Mid-Atlantic Broadband the right of way as requested.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Upon motion by Robert Jean, seconded by Mark Wilkes, and unanimously carried, Council approved the agenda for the April 12, 2011, regular meeting of the Brookneal Town Council.
MINUTES
Upon motion by Richard Adams, seconded by Mark Wilkes, and unanimously carried, Council approved the March 8, 2011, Town Council meeting minutes.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Mayor Campbell asked that the April 2011 treasurer's report be filed for audit.
PRESENTATION AND APPROVAL OF INVOICES
Be it resolved that motion was made by James Nowlin, seconded by Barbara Laprade, and unanimously carried, authorizing the payment of the invoices for the period of March 9, 2011, to April 12, 2011, in the amount of $27,426.77.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Vickie Smith, of 111 Webb Street, appeared before Council on behalf of the Christmas decorations committee. She said the committee wants to do a booth at the Brookneal Wine Festival to sell "woozies" as a fundraiser for the committee. This is an insulated cover for wine glasses. The "woozies" will have the Town of Brookneal logo on them and the town seal. Ms. Smith shared the many ideas that the committee has for fund raisers, such as a beauty pageant, gospel sings at the gazebo and community building, July 4th event, a Halloween ghost ride, and possibly a "duck" race in September in coordination with Day in the Town September 10, 2011. In saying that, she asked the Council for some start up money for the project to buy the wine glass "woozies" for selling at the wine festival. She estimated the start up money at $400 which would be a loan from the Town. Upon motion by Robert Jean, seconded by James Nowlin, and unanimously carried, the Council voted to advance the $400 to the committee as a loan for their project. Mr. Dean Monroe then offered use of a pop up tent for the committee to use.
Mr. Michael Monroe, of 4803 Three Creeks Road, Gladys, appeared before Council on behalf of Elite Virginia LLC, owner of Elite Recycling that is coming to Brookneal. He said his group is the contract purchasers of Dan River and it will be finalized very soon. He said they have several things in mind for the facility, and they have contacted several large companies on negotiations of coming back into the plant. He said he wanted to talk next about the new recycling facility, and he said there were a few concerns about things that are going to be done at the facility. He said they are looking to add jobs and make this town known again. He said that more people in this economy are hauling junk as their living. He said the recycling facility will take a vast range of just about everything that is non-toxic. He said they were originally not going to take loose steel because they needed a $50,000 scale, but as of today, they will have a scale so they will be taking loose steel. He said they applied for a demolition license for automobiles, and he said in the town zoning ordinances there are a few things on automobiles. He said the demolition license is really important to them as far as getting rid of the cars. He said this would not be a junkyard. The cars will not sit on the property more than 30 days before they are gone. He said they will store the cars inside the buildings. He said he was asking for a little bit of thought on the demolition license and the vehicle storage. He said the car crusher will be brought in to crush the cars and then will be removed. When asked about the noise level of the crusher, Mr. Monroe said it would be brief and not nearly as much noise compared to all the equipment that was operated under the Burruss and Tarkett facilities. When asked about jobs, Mr. Monroe said they plan to hire 10 people initially, but eventually if the business does well, maybe 20 to 30 total jobs.
Councilperson Adams asked if the zoning committee had been made aware of any of this, to which Mayor Campbell replied "no" because the issue just came up on Friday of the previous week. Mayor Campbell said that the Monroes need an answer as soon as possible, so they decided to come to Council before there was a chance to present it to the planning commission. She said the Monroes wanted to get the feel and vibe of the Council members as to how they felt about it because in the end the Council will be the ones to pass it with or without the recommendation of the planning commission. Mr. Adams proposed letting the Council do some homework on this issue before making a decision. Mr. Dean Monroe said that they have had a business license for 2 months to operate this, and he does not understand why a vote is needed. Mr. Monroe said that the zoning ordinance says that an automotive graveyard is defined as a place which is exposed to the weather upon which are 5 or more vehicles of any kind that are incapable of operation.
Mayor Campbell proposed having a meeting of the planning commission as soon as possible and then have the planning commission send a recommendation to the Council. Mayor Campbell said that the meeting with the planning commission could be the first of the following week after advertising the meeting for 3 days.
Mr. Dean Monroe said that the Town needs to do things differently than they did 20 years ago.
He said the Town does things the way it did 20 years ago. He asked the Council to put as much time into Brookneal as him and his company does.
POLICE REPORT
Chief Ricky Baldwin distributed a police report for the month of March 2011. Chief Baldwin announced that he is planning on holding a public meeting on scams at the community building on May 16 at 7 p.m.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT
Public Works Director Mike Crews said that a section of sewer pipe has been replaced on Lynn Street after some complaints. He said replacement of water lines for Phase 2 has begun. He said the streetscape project is anticipated to be finished by July 2011.
• Uniforms
Mr. Crews asked the Council what their decision was on the uniforms. Upon motion by Mark Wilkes, seconded by James Nowlin, and unanimously carried, the council voted to allow Mr. Crews to choose the uniform company and order the uniforms.
WICKLIFFE CEMETERY DEED TRANSFER
Upon motion by James Nowlin, seconded by Robert Jean, and unanimously carried, the Council approved the cemetery deed transfer of 2 plots from Martha Wilson to Ruby Crews.
MOTION TO APPROVE THE FY10 AUDIT
Upon motion by Robert Jean, seconded by Mark Wilkes, and unanimously carried, the Council voted to approve the FY10 audit.
PROPOSED CHANGE TO THE PERSONNEL MANUAL
Upon motion by Robert Jean, seconded by Mark Wilkes, and unanimously carried, the Council voted to approve the proposed change to the personnel manual that will make part time employees who work at least 32 hours per week, eligible for health insurance as outlined below:
Regular part-time employees, who work at least 32 hours per week, will receive holiday pay (if normally scheduled to work on that day), voluntary payroll deductions and health insurance with the Town covering the minimum contribution amounts as required by The Local Choice Health Benefits Program (under Section 2.3—Employment Categories).
RESOLUTION FOR THE LOCAL CHOICE
Upon motion by Mark Wilkes, seconded by James Nowlin, and unanimously carried, the Council approved the following resolution for The Local Choice:
TOWN OF BROOKNEAL
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Town of Brookneal desires to change its personnel manual to reflect a change in the category of part time employees, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Brookneal would like to cover part time employees who work a 32 hour work week on its health insurance plan through The Local Choice, and
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Brookneal will cover part time employees on its health insurance plan with the Town paying the minimum contribution requirements as required by The Local Choice Health Benefits Program.
On the motion of ______________________, seconded by ____________________, and
carried by a voice vote of ___________, the Town Council of the Town of Brookneal
approves this resolution.
_______________________________________________________________________
Phyllis L. Campbell – Mayor – Town of Brookneal DATE
ATTEST:________________________________________________________________
Bobbie A. Waller - Clerk - Town of Brookneal DATE
A verbal vote was taken as follows:
Ms. Laprade Aye Mr. Nowlin Aye
Mr. Jean Aye Mr. Wilkes Aye
Mr. Adams Aye Mayor Campbell Aye
FINANCE AND PLANNING COMMITTEE PRESENT THE FY11/12 BUDGET TO COUNCIL
Finance and Planning Committee Chairperson Richard Adams said that the committee has approved a budget for presentation to the Council. He said the general fund is balanced, the water fund is balanced, and the sewer fund has a deficit showing of $9,324.58 which the committee agreed will be offset by a funds transfer from the contingency fund in the general fund. He said the finance committee recommends that this be presented for public hearing.
• Advertise Public Hearing for the 2012-2012 Budget
Upon motion by Richard Adams, seconded by Robert Jean, and unanimously carried, the Council voted to advertise for a public hearing on the FY2011-2012 budget with the recommendation including the general fund budget and the water and sewer fund budget along with the Personal Property Tax Relief Act for 2012.
RECOMMENDATION TO ADVERTISE PUBLIC HEARING FOR SEWER RATE INCREASE
Finance and Planning Committee Chairperson Richard Adams said that the sewer fund has had a deficit over the last few years which has had to be offset with a transfer of funds from other line items. He said the sewer fund in this current fiscal year is projected to have a $25,000 deficit, and the FY11-12 budget will have a deficit of $9,324.58. Therefore, he said the committee is recommending a sewer rate increase which will raise the base rate $2.00. He said the committee recommends advertising this public hearing for the next Council meeting. Upon motion by Richard Adams, seconded by Mark Wilkes, and unanimously carried, the Council voted to advertise for a public hearing on the sewer rate increase at the May Council meeting.
REQUEST FOR TRANSFERS OF APPROPRIATION
Upon motion by Richard Adams, seconded by Mark Wilkes, and unanimously carried, the Council approved the following transfers of appropriation:
REQUEST FOR TRANSFERS OF APPROPRIATION
To: Brookneal Town Council
Date: April 12, 2011
The following Appropriation Transfers are requested:
General Fund As of 4/11/11
Category—Expense ADD New Total Balance in Account
Insurance---Property—01-1229-5310 $162.28 $ 15,063.28 $ 0.00
Category—Expense DELETE New Total Balance in Account
Police—Liability Insurance—01-3101-5308 $162.28 $ 5,037.72 $ 1389.60
To cover the last property insurance payment for FY11.
General Fund As of 4/11/11
Category—Expense ADD New Total Balance in Account
Office Supplies—01-1227-5401 $1,200.00 $ 7,700.00 $ 1,392.17
Category—Expense DELETE New Total Balance in Account
Police—Liability Insurance—01-3101-5308 $1,200.00 $ 3,837.72 $ 189.60
To cover the cost of office supplies through FY11.
General Fund As of 4/11/11
Category—Expense ADD New Total Balance in Account
Advertising—01-1226-3007 $1,000.00 $ 2,800.00 $ 911.01
Category—Expense DELETE New Total Balance in Account
Police—Salaries—01-3101-1001 $1,000.00 $ 88,234.00 $ 48,370.61
To cover the cost of advertising the budget and other advertising expenses through FY11.
General Fund As of 4/11/11
Category—Expense ADD New Total Balance in Account
Recreation—Repairs and Maint.-01-7104-5407 $4,000.00 $5,800.00 $ 2,796.59
Category—Expense DELETE New Total Balance in Account
Police—Salaries—01-3101-1001 $4,000.00 $ 84,234.00 $ 44,370.61
To cover the cost of repairs and maintenance to the community building and ballpark through FY11.
General Fund As of 4/11/11
Category—Expense ADD New Total Balance in Account
Recreation—Vehicle Supplies--01-7104-5408 $2,100.00 $ 3,300.00 $ 1,531.68
Category—Expense DELETE New Total Balance in Account
Police—Salaries—01-3101-1001 $2,100.00 $ 82,134.00 $ 42,270.61
To cover the cost of repairs to the John Deere Motor used to mow the ball park.
General Fund As of 4/11/11
Category—Expense ADD New Total Balance in Account
General Property Repair--01-4302-5407 $2,000.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 2,238.73
Category—Expense DELETE New Total Balance in Account
Police—Salaries—01-3101-1001 $2,000.00 $ 80,134.00 $ 40,270.61
To cover the cost of graveling the road into the cemetery.
Respectfully requested by:
_________________________________
Treasurer
_________________________________
Date
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
Physical Development Committee Chairperson James Nowlin said his committee has been discussing the cemetery. The committee suggested contacting families of the graves that have headstones that are leaning over or in need of repair. He said the committee also suggests removing trees one at a time that are in need of removal.
Finance and Planning Committee Chairperson Richard Adams said his committee will look at having a meeting on either Tuesday or Wednesday of the following week at 4 p.m. to further discuss sewer rates.
ITEMS FROM TOWN COUNCIL
Councilperson Barbara Laprade said that she is still working on the rural sourcing website and information. She also proposed a Brookneal summit with council members, chamber of commerce members, and interested citizens on possibly a Saturday.
Vice Mayor James Nowlin reminded everyone of Day in the Town September 10, 2011.
Mayor Campbell announced that Cheryl Parker will be having the National Day of Prayer event on May 5, 2011 at noon at the community building. She also said the churches in the area are doing a walk with the cross on Good Friday, April 22, 2011.
ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion from Mark Wilkes, seconded by Robert Jean, and unanimously carried, Mayor Campbell announced that the April 12, 2011, Council meeting was adjourned.
___________________________ ____________________________
Bobbie A. Waller
Clerk/Treasurer
