May 2002

 

The regular meeting of the Lawrenceville Town Council was called to order at 7:30 p.m., on May 14, 2002, by Mayor Keith W. Clarke with the following present:

 

Mayor Keith W. Clarke; Council members: Joyce D. Bland, Wilbur Hardy, William E. James, John J. Miller, Jr., Michael F. Moorman and Robert F. Pecht, III; Town Attorney, W. C. Outten, Jr.; Town Manager, C. J. Dean; Supt. of Public Works, Randy Lynch; Chief of Police, Douglas R. Pond; Town Clerk, Alice B. Talbert; Citizens and the press.

 

Absent:  H. B. Brockwell, Jr.

 

Mr. Hardy opened the meeting with prayer.

 

Roll was called.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Moorman and seconded by Mr. Hardy to approve the minutes of the previous meeting as received, suspend the reading and file.  This carried by all ayes

 

                                                PUBLIC HEARING - BONDS

As this time had been advertised for a Public Hearing on the proposed issuance of water and sewer system revenue bonds, Mayor Clarke declared the hearing open.  As no citizens asked to speak, a motion was made by Mr. James and seconded by Mr. Hardy to return to regular session.

 

Mr. Moorman made a motion to adopt the ordinance and resolution authorizing the issuance of water and sewer system revenue bonds in a principal amount not to exceed $1,100,000. Mr. Miller seconded the motion.  This motion carried by the affirmative roll-call vote of two-thirds of all members of the Council as follows:  Bland, aye; Hardy, aye; James, aye; Miller, aye; Moorman, aye; Pecht, aye.

 

                                    PUBLIC HEARING – PROPOSED BUDGET

Mayor Clarke stated that this time had been set for a Public Hearing on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2002/2003 and declared the hearing open.  As no citizen asked to speak, a motion was made by Mr. James and seconded by Mr. Hardy to close the hearing.  This carried by all ayes.

 

Mayor Clarke congratulated Council members on their recent reelection.

 

Jennifer Brockwell was introduced to Council.  Ms. Brockwell recently completed her first year at James Madison University and will be assisting in the Town Office this summer.

 

                                    CITIZENS TO REHAB CABOOSE

Mr. Scott Kelly of Windsor Ave. stated that due to the newspaper article on the Town caboose, citizens are getting efforts going to paint and rehab the caboose and keep it in Lawrenceville.  Mr. Bill Samford is leading the effort along with the Ladies of the VFW.

 

Mr. Dean reported that progress on the Courthouse sidewal k project was waiting on approval from VDOT.

 

                        CHANGES TO PROPOSED BUDGET

Mr. Pecht stated that several committees had met since the last Council meeting and had presented the Finance Committee with several changes to be made to the proposed budget.  Mr. Pecht explained the following changes in revenues: 1) Residential garbage rates would be increased $1.00 per month.    2) Water and sewer rates would increase 2 ˝% effective July 1.   Mr. Pecht explained changes in expenditures.  After a discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Moorman and seconded by Mr. James to tentatively adopt the revised budget as presented.  Voting aye:  Bland, Hardy, James, Miller, Moorman and Pecht.

 

                                    REPORT ON BUILDINGS OWNED BY TOWN

In Mr. Brockwell’s absence, Mr. Dean reported that a list of all buildings owned by the Town had been included the packets.  A list of vehicles and real estate will be included in the June packets.  After a discussion on the buildings owned by the Town, the Property Committee was asked to report at the June meeting what they would like done with several of the buildings.

                                    SURPLUS EQUIPMENT

Mr. Dean reported that the Town had advertised the surplus equipment and requested permission to again advertise this equipment and to add a 1979 dump truck to the list.  A motion was made by Mr. Moorman to authorize the Town Manager to advertise the surplus equipment at sealed bid.  This was seconded by Mr. James and carried by all ayes.

 

                                    WATER RATES FOR ALBERTA

Mr. Hardy stated that the Water Committee had met and recommended that the water sold to the Town of Alberta be increased from $1.19 per 1,000 gallons to $1.50 per 1,000 gallons.  This would be the first rate increase since 1994 and would amount to a 2 ˝% annual increase over the period from 1994 to 2002.  Mr. Dean was asked to contact the Town of Alberta concerning this increase.

 

Mr. Pecht reminded Council of the Beef and Dairy Festival to be held on May 15.

 

Mrs. Talbert reported that 28 people had responded to the Town’s recent blood drive and 20 pints of blood had been received.

 

Mrs. Talbert also reminded Council of the Relay for Life to be held on June 21 and June 22.

 

                                    PAYMENT OF BILLS

A motion was made by Mr. Hardy and seconded by Mr. Moorman to pay the bills as presented and charge to the proper accounts.  This carried by all ayes.

 

Mr. James asked about a possible study being conducted on the financing of two airports in the County.  He would like to see how much State, Federal, County and Town monies are being used to support the two airports.  Mr. Pecht stated that there were economical reasons to keep the Lawrenceville Airport.

 

                                                CLOSED SESSION

Mayor Clarke stated that there was a need to go into Closed Session for two legal matters and property acquisition.  A motion was made by Mr. Miller to go into Closed Session for two legal matters and property acquisition.  This was seconded by Mr. James and carried by all ayes.

 

                                    RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION

After a discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Miller to return to Regular Session.  This was seconded by Mr. James and carried by all ayes.

 

                                                CERTIFICATION

A motion was made by Mr. Moorman to certify that no matters were discussed except that stated in the motion and no action was taken.  Mr. Miller seconded this motion and it carried by all ayes.

 

                                    WEB PAGE FOR TOWN

Mrs. Talbert reported that the Town web page was up and available for viewing.  Work is still being done on the web page.  The address is www.lawrencevilleweb.com.

 

                                                ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, a motion was made by Mr. Miller to adjourn.  This was seconded by Mr. Hardy and carried by all ayes

 

 

 

______________________MAYOR

 

 

______________________ATTEST