03132008313
MINUTES
CITY OF DUNN
DUNN, NORTH CAROLINA
The City Council of the City of Dunn held a Special Call Meeting on Thursday, March 13, 2008, at
7:00 p.m. in the Dunn Municipal Building. Present was Mayor Oscar N. Harris, Mayor Pro Tern
N. Carnell Robinson, Council Members Buddy Maness, Bryan Galbreath, Billy Tart, and Chuck
Turnage. Also present was City Manager Ronnie Autry, Fire Chief Austin Tew, Police Captain
Jimmy Pope, Police Lt. Ronald Radcliffe, City Attorney P. Tilghman Pope, City Clerk Debra West,
and Daily Record Reporter Lisa Farmer.
Absent /excused was Council Member Joey Tart
INVOCATION
Mayor Harris opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. and asked Council Member Maness to give the invocation.
Afterwards the Pledge of Allegiance was repeated.
AGENDA ADJUSTMENT
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Robinson and seconded by Council Member Maness to adopt the
March 13, 2008 Special Call meeting agenda with changes, if any, as listed below.
Items Added to the Agenda:
• Consideration to Extend the Contract with Preservation North Carolina for an Option to Purchase
the McKay House under "Items for Decision"
Agenda Items Removed:
• none
Motion unanimously approved.
PUBLICHEARING
MERGER OF THE DUNN FIRE DEPARTMENT
WITH DUNN RESCUE TO CREATE
DUNN EMERGENCY SERVICES, INC.
The public has been notified that oral and written comments will be heard and received concerning the
merger of the Dunn Fire Department with the Dunn Rescue Squad to create Dunn Emergency Services, Inc.
The public hearing was duly advertised on March 11, 2008.
Before hearing from the public, Mayor Harris stated that this was an idea which developed during the
budget/planning retreat. This public hearing is not required, however, this Council wanted to hear from the
citizens of Dunn about this issue.
Mayor Harris explained that the Fire Department currently operates with four full -time employees and
eighteen (18) volunteers. The City of Dunn along with the Averasboro Fire District makes up the
Averasboro Fire District. The City of Dunn provides approximately two- thirds of the funding while the
Averasboro Fire District makes up one -third of the funding.
Mayor Harris explained that they will talk about transferring the personnel grant the Fire Department just
received from Homeland Security to the new organization, Dunn Emergency Services, Inc. if adopted, as
well as the purchase of a new fire truck grant award from Homeland Security.
Mayor Harris explained that the current operating budget for the Fire Department is approximately
$544,250. They will talk about the two buildings currently owned by the City that will be leased to Dunn
Emergency Services, Inc. One building is located on Wilson Avenue and the other is located on Powell
Avenue, both currently serve as fire stations. The City plans to keep the administrative area of the building
on Powell Avenue for the offices of Planning and Inspections, if deemed appropriate by the Council. All
fire personnel would be transferred to Dunn Emergency Services, Inc. and no employee will lose their job.
The city will transfer assets of equipment to Dunn Emergency Services, Inc., with a clause in the contract,
that should this organization cease operations, those assets would be transferred back to the City. He stated
that it is their goal to make this effective July 1, 2008
Mayor Harris stated that the members of the Board of Directors for the Dunn Rescue Squad are James P.
"Pat" Godwin (Chairman), Pete Skinner, Dallas `Bo" Dafford, and Pam Tripp. Department representatives
are Patsy Powell, James McLamb, and Robert Taylor.
Mayor Harris stated that the board members of the Averasboro Fire District are Kenneth Lee (Chairman),
Ricky Miller, Huey Bass, Chris McLamb, Doug Lee and Rodney Eason.
Mayor Harris stated that this is the first time this proposal has been revealed to the public. It was discussed
in executive session during the budget/planning retreat. There are a number of processes that must be
completed for this merger. At the April 10, 2008 City Council meeting, the Council will consider approval
of the contract for the merger of the Dunn Fire Department and Dunn Rescue subject to the approval by the
Harnett County Board of Commissioners to expand the Averasboro Fire District to include the municipal
limits of the City of Dunn. Also if the Council approves the proposed contract with the Dunn Rescue
Squad, it would vote to approve the resolution requesting that the Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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incorporate the municipal limits of the City of Dunn into the Averasboro Fire District. The Harnett County
Commissioners will hold a public hearing in April, 2008 on the proposed resolution. In May, 2008, the
Harnett County Commissioners will consider the resolution, if passed by the Dunn City Council, to
incorporate the municipal limits of the City of Dunn into the Averasboro Fire District and to set the fire tax
.rate for the district. Following approval, the Dunn Rescue Squad will take the necessary actions to amend
their bylaws, change their name and prepare to accept the assets of the Dunn Fire Department as of July 1,
2008.
Mayor Harris stated that the proposal that has been presented to the City Council, as amended, is available
for anyone. He added that the proposal will be reviewed in detail tonight to give the citizens as much
information about this process as possible.
Mayor Harris asked if the Council had any preliminary comments before beginning the public hearing.
None were heard.
Mayor Harris asked if there was anyone present to speak for or against this merger.
Attorney Cecil `Bo" Jones, 1004 W. Pope, attorney representing Dunn Rescue Squad, Inc. summarized the
proposal to consolidate these services.
• Dunn Rescue Squad, Inc. has made a proposal to consolidate services.
• Dunn Rescue is currently the only stand alone rescue squad in the County.
• When this proposal was made, they were thinking about efficiency and effectiveness.
• By consolidating services, they will provide more qualified people for fire and rescue, 24/7
coverage, and eventually a cost savings for the citizens of this community.
• Dunn Fire Department has four full -time employees, annual call volume of approximately 700,
with an annual budget of approximately $600,000.
• Averasboro Fire District board of advisors represents the citizens of the township and recommends
budget contributions to the City of Dunn for services provided outside of the City Limits.
• Dunn Rescue and EMS Services is an incorporated 501 (c) (3) non -profit corporation with a seven
member board of directors, 24/7 coverage with paid staff, a call volume of approximately 4300,
with an annual budget of approximately $932,000.
• This proposal is more of an acquisition or transfer of assets to a new incorporation, Dunn
Emergency Services, Inc. By amending the existing charter, it would be the same corporation.
• Two members of the current Dunn Rescue Squad, Inc. Board of Directors, two members of the
Averasboro Fire District Board of Advisors, two members appointed by the City of Dunn and one
volunteer member of Dunn Emergency Services, Inc. will constitute the new Board of Directors
for the organization. Members will serve staggered two year terms. Election of future members
will be conducted as prescribed by the Bylaws of the Corporation in a manner consistent with the
General Statutes.
• Career personnel would be required to cross train for all aspects of the department's responsibility.
• EMS will be funded through a contract with Hamett County. Fire services will be funded by a
Tax District. The new tax district will include the Averasboro Fire District and the City of Dunn.
This would require the City of Dunn be included within the Averasboro Fire District. This would
require specific steps by the Dunn City Council and the Hamett County Board of Commissioners.
Similar steps have been taken in Coats and Angier in the past to accomplish a single district for
the purpose of providing fire protection.
• The Board of Directors will approve a budget and recommend a tax rate for the district. The
County Commissioners would set the tax rate for the district. The department will receive funds
as they are collected by Harnett County.
• All current personnel would be retained under this proposal. There may be some changes ofjob
titles and salaries. No jobs will be lost.
• Under General Statute, the Fire Inspector position must be retained by the City.
• Dunn Emergency Services, Inc. will provide around the clock career fire personnel available for
immediate response to incidents on a 24 hour per day, 7 day per week basis. This will
immediately reduce response times and result in a reduction in the loss of life and property. A
three person engine company will be staffed by career personnel and supplemented by volunteers
for this purpose.
• To ensure a seamless transition, the City of Dunn and Dunn Rescue Squad, Inc. will allow its
career personnel to assist in the development of plans and policies for Dunn Emergency Services,
Inc.
• The only loss of benefits would be the loss of the Local Government Employees Retirement
program. This program is not available to employees of non -profit organizations.
• Dunn Rescue Squad, Inc. currently operates from a facility located at 101 W. Cumberland Street.
The facility is nine years old and is approximately 15,000 square feet. It can currently house ten
personnel, but can be expanded with little expense if additional sleeping facilities were required.
Two classrooms are available, one of which can accommodate up to 75 people. Ten bay spaces
are available for vehicles, and are designed to be expanded as additional bay spaces are needed.
The building is in a good state of repair and is not in need of any immediate major repairs.
• Dunn Fire Department currently has two stations. One station is located on Powell Avenue and
the other is on Wilson Ave. Dunn Emergency Services, Inc. will retain the entire facility located
on Wilson Avenue at the intersection of Harnett Street, and will retain the bay space located at the
Powell Avenue Fire Station. The remainder of the facility located on Powell Avenue will be
available for City of Dunn purposes; however, the City shall allow access to common areas by
Dunn Emergency Services personnel.
• Dunn Emergency Services, Inc. will maintain ownership of all assets of Dunn Rescue Squad, Inc.
The City of Dunn will transfer ownership of an equivalent amount of assets to the department;
however, the City will retain ownership of the balance of vehicles and facilities and would lease
those assets to the department as needed. The Averasboro Fire District Fund Balance would be
transferred to Dunn Emergency Services, Inc. The details of which vehicles would be transferred
would be negotiated to the mutual benefit of all agencies involved. The values of all assets in
question will be established by independent appraisal by individuals experienced in valuing
emergency services equipment and commercial real estate. In the event of dissolution of Dunn
Emergency Services, Inc., all assets transferred to the corporation by the City of Dunn shall revert
back to the City.
• The City of Dunn will transfer all records pertaining to fire protection to Dunn Emergency
Services, Inc. at the time of transition. Those records will include, but not limited to: Personnel
Records, Training Records, Hydrant Maintenance Records, Service Testing Records, and Vehicle
Maintenance Records.
• This is a win -win unique situation in that Dunn Rescue Squad, Inc. is already established, set up
and ready to go once this transfer happens.
• Disadvantages of consolidation:
Change. Individuals who have been involved with organizations for a period of time
resist change and this will be the case for members of each department.
Retirement Benefits: Employees of the City of Dunn will loose their opportunity to
Participate in the Local Government Retirement System.
• Advantages of consolidation: far outweigh the disadvantages
Efficiency of operations- Consolidation will allow a single department to manage fire and
rescue operations with a single group of Operational Guidelines, rules, expectations and
leadership.
Response Times should improve dramatically as the consolidated department will provide
for a larger volunteer pool and will have around the clock personnel for immediate
response.
Volunteer Pool will increase immediately for both agencies.
Career Personnel — Career Firefighters will be provided on a 24 hours per day, 7 days
per week basis for immediate response. Career personnel will have a broader range of
skills to offer the community as they become more cross trained in Fire and EMS. The
citizens will have thirteen more professional firefighters available, and ten more
professional EMS personnel available.
Attorney Jones stated that he would yield to any questions.
Council Member Turnage stated that it was mentioned by Mr. Jones that the retirement benefits would be a
disadvantage; however, is there an advantage that a 401 (k) plan will be available for City personnel that
transfer. Mr. Jones responded that there is a 401 (k) retirement plan in place. Mayor Harris added that any
full -time employee that has vested five years of service prior to the merger, can freeze their local
government retirement and then participate in the 401 (k) plan with Dunn Emergency Services.
Council Member Galbreath asked if it has been determined which assets of the Fire Department will be
transferred to Dunn Emergency Services. Attorney Jones responded that all assets of the Fire Department
will be transferred; however, as far as the values, he does not know if the appraisals have been done but
they will be compared to the Dunn Rescue's assets with a goal to do an even exchange. Mayor Harris
added that assets from each department will be equivalent based upon appraisal. Once an equal amount of
assets have been transferred, then the balance of the equipment would be leased to the Rescue Squad.
Mayor Harris asked for further comments from the public.
Mr. Robert Jordan, 1101 W. Cole St., Dunn, NC - Stated he is in favor of the merger.
Mr. William "Billy" Barfield, 1304 Guy Avenue, Dunn, NC — He retired as Assistant Chief of the Dunn
Fire Department in 1996 with 36 1/2 years of service. He spoke against the merger. He does not resist
change but change is not always good. He's fighting against an attorney, rescue members and the City
Council. He was hesitant about coming tonight because of a statement made at the last Council meeting
when it was said that this was the first of many steps that had to be done to complete the acquisition which
made him think this issue has already been decided. The Fire Department did not have a voice in this
decision. Many years ago when he served as auxiliary on the Dunn Fire Department, they attempted to
form a rescue squad. They went out, raised money, and bought a truck and they were given the choice of
fire or rescue and they chose fire. He gave history of how this truck was given over to eventually begin
rescue. Dunn has the best rescue squad. A former Fire Chief, Alan Cain tried unsuccessfully to bring rescue
under his department. The fire department training is completely different than rescue. Firemen are close
knit and he does not feel this merger is right for the City of Dunn. This idea of merging has been in
consideration for a long time. Dunn does provide 24/7 fire service. The Fire Department is not as rich as
the rescue squad. The Fire Department has not received what they have needed for many years from the
l am' City to make progress. They have been given new buildings and equipment but equipment and buildings
don't put fires out, it takes personnel. The City of Dunn employed two firms in the last two years to
analyze the Fire Department and did an extensive survey. Mr. Sherman Pickard, consultant, told the
previous Council that Dunn did not need full -time 24 hour personnel. Mr. Barfield suggested that the City
contract with the firemen for full -time firefighting. He said he was just as guilty, when he served on the
council, when he did not give the Fire Department what they wanted but he did not agree with what they
asked for. He stated that he doesn't believe the rescue wanted this merge because it has been tried in the
past and they were not interested in merging. He suggested the City bid out the Fire Department services if
they want to get rid of it. Certification requirements for the Fire Department have increased. He mentioned
the issue of turning over other services to the county. The citizens of Dunn do not need the .07 cents fire
tax that may be imposed if this merger occurs. He spoke of the sacrifices made by firemen. It is not
necessary to approve this plan before the next budget year. Why rush this important issue. At one time, the
Dunn Fire Department had one of the best insurance ratings of any group.
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Mayor Harris asked if there was anyone else present to speak for or against this proposal
Mr. Pat Godwin, Chairman of the Dunn Rescue Squad Board, in response to Mr. Barfield's remarks, stated
that he and Rescue Chief Gary Whitman started this proposal and if they had took the lead, then they would
be in this position; however, they have set back and done nothing. The current fire rating is five while
other places are three. He wants to lower his fire rating and with the present Fire Department, he can't get
it but he along with Rescue Chief Gary Whitman can lower the fire rating within three years.
Mayor Harris asked if there was anyone else present to speak for or against this issue. Hearing none, the
public hearing was closed at 7:47 p.m.
City Attorney Pope clarified that the copies of the proposal that were made available tonight was an old
draft and if anyone would like a copy of the new draft, they may obtain a copy from the City Clerk. A copy
of the Proposal to Consolidate Fire, Rescue and EMS Service in the City of Dunn and Averasboro
Township is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #1.
ITEM FOR DECISION
AWARD BID FOR PURCHASE
OF TRACK EXCAVATOR
Manager Autry stated that this bid information was provided at the last Council meeting. Bids were
received and opened on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 for the purchase of a track excavator for the Public
Works Department. The quotes are as follows:
Submitted Model Bid Amount
ASC Construction Equip. Volvo EC140CLC $96,740.00
3561 Jones Sausage Rd.
Garner, NC 27529
Interstate Equip. Co. JCB JS -130 $98,005.32
7979 W. Chapel Hill Rd.
Cary, NC 27513 -4166
Linder Industrial Machinery Co. Komatsu $100,600.00
6515 Chapel Hill Rd. PC138USLC -8
Raleigh, NC 27607
Interstate Equip. Co. JCB JS145 $102,372.30
7979 W. Chapel Hill Rd.
Cary, NC 27513 -4166
Gregory Poole Caterpillar 312DL $119,998.00
5633 US Hwy 301 S
Hope Mills, NC 28348
After reviewing the quotes and equipment specifications, it is the recommendation of the Public Works
Department to award the bid to ASC Construction Equipment for the purchase of a Volvo Track Excavator.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Robinson, seconded by Council Member Billy Tart to award the bid to ASC
Construction Equipment for the purchase of a Volvo Track Excavator at the low bid price of $96,740.00.
Motion unanimously approved.
CONSIDERATION TO
EXTEND CONTRACT WITH
PRESERVATION NORTH
CAROLINA FOR AN OPTION
TO PURCHASE THE MCKAY HOUSE
On March 15, 2007, the City of Dunn entered into a contract with the Historic Preservation Foundation of
North Carolina, Inc. the exclusive option to purchase, upon certain terms and conditions, the McKay House
property. This contract will expire March 15, 2008.
The Council is being asked to extend this option to purchase for an additional six month period; which
would end September 13, 2008.
City Attorney Pope explained that the prior council granted an option to purchase to Preservation North
Carolina, for the McKay House, in order that they might market the property to find a buyer which
included a division of 50% between Preservation North Carolina and the City of Dunn of the net sales
proceeds. The original option was for a period of one year and will expire March 15, 2008. Preservation
currently has people interested in this property and they are showing it frequently.
The Council discussed the options of extending the contract beyond the six month period; however, it was
determined that the six month extension would be a better option than extending it for another year.
Motion by Council Member Galbreath, seconded by Council Member Tumage to approve the Option to
Purchase the McKay House contract between the City of Dunn and Preservation North Carolina for an
additional six month period ending September 13, 2008. Motion unanimously approved. A copy of the
extended Option to Purchase to Preservation NC for the McKay House, is incorporated into these minutes
as Attachment #2.
Information
Council Member Tumage stated that he appreciated the City giving him the opportunity to attend the
Essentials of Municipal Government which was a very informative class.
Mayor Harris reminded everyone of the NCDOT informational meeting to be held in the Council chambers
on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 from 5 -7 p.m. with reference to the realignment of NC 55 at US 421.
Mayor Pro Tem Robinson commended the local DACC in forming a local education committee to assist
the local schools and education system. There will be three one -stop voting sites for the upcoming May
primaries.
With no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Council Member Billy Tart and seconded by
Council Member Tumage to agjoVi41'IY'A fit6�f�ng at 8:00 p.m.
C OF
Oscar N. Harri
2 s FAL — Mayor
0 9 CA ROB - \ �P
Attest: 011111W,
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Debra G. West
City Clerk
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