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11082011169 MINUTES CITY OF DUNN DUNN, NORTH CAROLINA The City Council of the City of Dunn held a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, November 8, 2011, 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, Chuck Turnage and Joey Tart. Also present was City Manager Ronnie Autry, Assistant City Manager Steven Neuschafer, Public Works Director Billy Addison, Public Utilities Director Dean Gaster, Finance Director Mark Stephens, Human Resources Director Anne Thompson, Planning Director Samantha Lloyd, Chief Building Inspector Mike Blackmon, Police Chief B.P. Jones, Recreation Director Perry Hudson, City Engineer Michael Goliber, City Attorney P. Tilghman Pope, City Clerk Debra West and Daily Record Reporter Brian Haney. �•. ✓ INVOCATION Mayor Harris opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. and asked Police Chaplain Reverend Roy Johnson to give the invocation. Afterwards, the Pledge of Allegiance was repeated. AGENDA ADJUSTMENT AND APPROVAL Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Robinson and seconded by Council Member Joey Tart to adopt the November 8, 2011 meeting agenda with changes, if any, as listed below. Items Added to the Agenda: • Proclamation Presentation — "Employ a Veteran Week 2011" Agenda Items Removed: • none Motion unanimously approved. Proclamation — Employ a Veteran Week 2011 Department of Commerce Division of Employment Security (Dunn Office) Mayor Harris and Council Member /retired Lt. Colonel Chuck Tumage presented a Proclamation "Employ a Veteran Week 2011" to Mr. Donald C. Bedsole, Manager of the Department of Commerce Division of Employment Security and to Mr. Dave Taylor, Jr., Local Veterans Employment Consultant for the Department of Commerce Division of Employment Security. A copy of Proclamation (P2011 -30) Employ a Veteran Week is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment 41. Resolution - Council Member Joseph `Joey" Tart Mayor Harris and Manager Autry recognized Council Member Joey Tart for his 12 years of distinguished public service as a member of the Dunn City Council and presented him with a resolution and plaque in honor of his service. A copy of Resolution (82011 -31) Commending & Expressing Appreciation to Joseph "Joey" Tart for Serving as a Dunn City Council Member for Twelve Years is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #2. After the presentation, an opportunity was provided for each Council Member to make comments Council Member Maness stated that it has been his honor to serve with Joey over the past eight years. He stated that Joey has always been professional and honorable and has always voted as he felt was best for both his constituents and the City of Dunn. Although there have been times the Council may not have seen things the same way, they have always been able to agree to disagree and do so professionally and in a way that did not bring embarrassment to the citizens or to the City of Dunn; that is the kind of man that Joey is and the kind of Council he has served with and the legacy he will leave behind. He added that Joey brought a great deal of business sense and common sense to this Council and they will miss both his years of experience and insight as they go forward. He expressed appreciation for the dedication and sacrifices made by Joey and thanked him and his family for their support during his service to the City of Dunn. J Mayor Pro Tem Robinson stated that it has been his pleasure to work with Joey. He has always been courteous even when the Council disagreed. Joey has always remained open and attempted to do what he felt was best for the entire City; he appreciates and respects Joey and wished him the very best. Council Member Galbreath stated that back in 2003 when he was first elected to the Council, Joey was the first person to congratulate him and offered to help him in anyway. He thanked Joey for that and stated that he has enjoyed every Council meeting and retreat with him. He thanked Joey's family for allowing him to serve. He stated that he will miss him. Council Member Billy Tart stated that it has been his pleasure to serve with Joey for the past eight (8) years. He added that Joey is a personal friend; his mannerism and the way he conducts business has been a blessing. He appreciates all Joey has done and asked the Lord to bless him in the future. 170 Council Member Chuck Tumage stated that he grew up with Joey and is glad he served with him City Attorney Pope pointed out that when he became the City Attorney in February 2002, Joey is actually the only one sitting on the board today that had a vote in hiring him then. He stated that it has been an honor serving with Joey and he has set a good example for all that serve on this City Council in the way that he has conducted himself and the business of the citizens. Joey has represented himself, his constituents and his family well. He wished Joey the best of luck. Manager Autry thanked Joey for his twelve (12) years of service to the citizens of Dunn and the great working relationship with him. Joey has always been a professional to him and to his staff. He expressed his appreciation to Joey for all he has done. Mayor Harris stated that Joey has been a lighthouse and mentor to him. He appreciates Joey and his entire family and expressed his love to them. He wished him the very best. Council Member Joey Tart stated that if there was one thing he could have done differently during his (twelve) 12 years, he would have made Ronnie Autry the City Manager the first time he applied for the position. Mr. Tart stated that the following comments he made today to his own staff are appropriate for the City as well: keep expenses down, treat people professionally and with respect, do what's right, act at all times with a good attitude, be good employees and be who we say we are. He counts all the Council Members and staff as friends. He respects all of them and feels good about the Council and what will be accomplished over the next four years. He is very appreciative to have been part of what has been accomplished over the last twelve years. He has served with three different Mayors and many different Council Members. It wasn't fun or enjoyable at all times, but very rewarding. He expressed appreciation to all the Council. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Mayor Harris opened the floor for a (30) minute public comment period after stating the rules of the policy. Mr. James Clark, 611 N. Wilson Avenue, Dunn, NC spoke about the Harnett High School Campus Project. Family members have asked that he state their appreciation for this project. He stated that the days of Harnett High are behind us but the Council is creating memories in their hearts which will allow them to remember this school in such a way by honoring it. He appreciates all the efforts of the Council. Hearing no further comments, the public comment period was closed. Mayor Harris opened public hearings at 7:31 p.m. PUBLICHEARINGS Demolition of House 822 E. Divine Street PIN #1516 -84- 4759.000 Mayor Harris stated that the public has been notified that oral and written comments will be heard and received concerning the demolition of the dwelling owned by TLMG, LLC c/o Don Wilkins and located at 822 E. Divine Street. The public hearing was duly advertised on October 25, 2011 and November 1, 2011. Mayor Harris asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak for or against the demolition of this structure. Hearing no comments, Mayor Harris closed the public hearing Installment Financing to Construct Highway 301 Pipeline Extension for Eastover Sanitary District and Construct Elevated Water Tank Mayor Harris stated that the public has been notified that the City Council of the City of Dunn will hold a public hearing for the purpose of receiving public comment on whether the City Council should approve a proposed installment financing contract and certain related documents under which the City would obtain financing pursuant to N.C.G.S. §160A -20 to finance the cost of constructing the Highway 301 Pipeline Extension and Elevated Water Tank. The amount to be financed for construction of the project is $15M. The public hearing was duly advertised on October 25, 2011. Mayor Harris asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak for or against the financing proposal. Hearing no comments, Mayor Harris closed the public hearing. Establish Community Revitalization Area - Harnett Training School Campus Project 171 Mayor Harris stated that the public has been notified that the City Council of the City of Dunn will hold a public hearing for the purpose of receiving public comment on the question of identifying and establishing a Community Revitalization Area in the Northeast quadrant of the City; from the Railroad East and from East Broad Street North. The public hearing was duly advertised on October 25, 2011. Mayor Hams asked if there was anyone who wished to speak for or against the Community Revitalization Area. Mr. Bill Farris, planner of the development team, stated that he has been working on the community revitalization plan in conjunction with the adaptive reuse of the Harnett Training School. He briefly went over some on the highlights of the plan with a power point presentation. The purpose of the Community Revitalization Plan (CRP) is improved housing, better resident mobility, enhanced safety and a sense of security, neighborhood amenities such as parks, recreation, shopping, services, etc. and more employed residents. An analysis of developing characteristics of the neighborhood was completed as well as an analysis of the demographics and the income. They found a number of neighborhood amenities that support the CRP. Population of the planning area is about 1,000; 10% of City's total. Most of the residents are minority; 80% are African American. The planning area is relatively young; 29% are in the 0 -20 age group compared to 25% for the City as a whole. Family incomes are significantly lower than the County. The median family income is $15,000 compared to $43,000 for the County. It is a single - family neighborhood; mostly renters. Two community meetings were held. During the first meeting, the residents were asked what the City needed to do to revitalize the community. Some of the responses received were affordable housing, adequate housing and particularly housing for older people, jobs, safety and preservation of the Harnett Training School, and better information of what is going on. They tried to build the plan around the responses received from the community. This plan is a policy and may be revised and adjusted as needed. There are major components of this plan that address the issues that were identified by the residents of the neighborhood and supported by the data that he collected on the neighborhood. It builds heavily on collaboration to get the job done. He feels that this property will eventually be listed on the National Historic Registry which will offer the opportunity for the City and Dunn Community Development Corporation (DCDC) to work with the school system to develop actual educational modules that will be important to the education in this area. They talked about increasing the supply of affordable adequate housing in terms of rehab and how to access resources for this. There were a lot of vacant lots identified in the neighborhood which creates an opportunity to build a house and also an opportunity to create a job to develop construction skills. The major plan concept is to document the history of the Harnett Training School and preserve the campus �— as a revitalization center of the NE Dunn community, to increase the supply of affordable, quality housing, beautify the community, park improvements, increase jobs to residents, plugging in the community college feasibility by implementation of an agriculture program, developing a community kitchen for culinary, and restoration program for old cars and trucks. Mayor Harris stated that the Council has already established and authorized the DCDC. He recognized Mr. Clem Medley, Chairman of the DCDC, in the audience. He added that Mr. Medley along with his board of directors is doing an outstanding job in putting this project together. Hearing no further comments, Mayor Harris closed public hearings at 7:53 p.m. CONSENTITEMS Minutes — Council considered approval of minutes of the October 13, 2011 City Council meeting. Resolution — Council considered approval of a resolution of support for a Veterans Government Bond, Stamp and Coin Program. A copy of Resolution (82011 -32) to support a Veterans Government Bond, Stamp and Coin Program is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #3. Budget Amendments — Council considered approval of Budget Amendments #3 - #4. A copy of BA #344 is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #4. Motion by Council Member Joey Tart and seconded by Council Member Tumage to approve all consent items. Motion unanimously approved. ITEMS FOR DECISION Consideration of Ordinance to Demolish House — 822 E. Divine Street PIN #1516 -84- 4759.000 Mayor Harris stated that Chief Building Inspector Mike Blackmon has conducted an inspection at 822 E. Divine Street and based upon his observations, the structure failed to comply with the minimum standards of fitness established by the minimum housing code of the City of Dunn. The Building Inspector also found the structure dangerous or prejudicial to the public health or public safety and is a nuisance in violation ofN.C.G.S. 160A -193. 172 He added that the owner of the property has failed to comply with the Building Inspector's order and according to N.C.G.S. 160A -443, the City Council has the power to proceed with demolition of this property. Motion by Council Member Galbreath and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Robinson to adopt the ordinance directing the Building Inspector to proceed with the demolition of the dwelling located at 822 E. Divine Street (PIN #1516- 844759.000). Motion unanimously approved. A copy of Ordinance (02011 -11) to demolish the dwelling at 822 E. Divine Street is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #5. Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing the Filing of an Application for Approval of a Financing Agreement Authorized by NC General Statute 160A -20 — ` Hwy. 301 Pipeline Extension for Eastover Sanitary District and Construction of Elevated Water Tank Manager Autry explained that the Council is being asked to adopt this resolution to authorize the Finance Director to file an application with the Local Government Commission (LGC) to finance the cost of extending water service to Eastover Sanitary District and the construction of an elevated water tank. Mr. Autry stated that he was notified today by the Eastover Sanitary District that their approval would be considered by the LGC at the January, 2012 meeting. Since the City of Dunn's application requires submission twenty eight days prior to the meeting, he is requesting the Council take action on this matter in order that all documentation will be in place when the LGC meets in January. This resolution is part of the approval process required by the LGC to finance projects. The first annual debt payment will be in fiscal year 2012 -2013 and will be reflected in the Water /Sewer operating budget. Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Robinson and seconded by Council Member Maness to adopt the Resolution authorizing the Finance Director to File an Application with the LGC for approval of a Financing Agreement authorized by NCGS 160A -20. Motion unanimously approved. A copy of Resolution (R2011 -33) Authorizing an Application with the LGC is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #6. Capital Project Ordinance Hwy. 301 Pipeline Extension for Eastover Sanitary District/ Elevated Water Tank Manager Autry explained that this ordinance will need Council approval so that the budget for this project - can be established for accounting purposes. This capital project ordinance will take the place of an annual budget ordinance because it is not part of the City's recurring operations and expenditures, and will continue for the life of the project. He added that this project is related to extending water service to Eastover Sanitary District and construction of an elevated water tank. The project will be paid through an installment agreement with a financial institution and a transfer from Water /Sewer fund. The first annual debt payment will be in fiscal year 2012 -2013 and will be reflected in the Water /Sewer operating budget. Motion by Council Member Turnage and seconded by Council Member Joey Tart to adopt the Capital Project Ordinance for the "Hwy. 301 Pipeline Extension for Eastover Sanitary District/Elevated Water Tank ". Motion unanimously approved. A copy of Capital Project Ordinance (02011 -12) for the Hwy. 301 Pipeline Extension for Eastover Sanitary District /Elevated Water Tank is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment V. Award Bid for Bank Financing — Hwy. 301 Pipeline Extension for Eastover Sanitary District/ Elevated Water Tank Manager Autry explained that proposals were sent to local banks to finance the Highway 301 Pipeline Extension for Eastover Sanitary District and to construct an Elevated Water Tank. This proposal is to finance $3.5M for a period often (10) years. The following two banks submitted proposals: Financial Institution Interest Rate Interest Paid Principal Loan Cost Total Cost RBC Bank 2.28% 453,729 3,500,000 5,000 3,958,729 BB & T 2.35% 468,122 3,500,000 3,300 3,971,422 First Citizens Declined to Quote The debt service payments will begin in 2013 and will be funded through water enterprise monies. Motion by Council Member Joey Tart and seconded by Council Member Maness to award bid for financing to RBC Bank at a rate of 2.28% for a ten year term. Motion unanimously approved. 173 Capital Project Ordinance — I -95 Corridor Sewer System Improvements Mayor Harris yielded to City Manager Autry. Mr. Autry requested this matter be tabled until the December meeting and establish a work session date the last week in November or first week in December to discuss the project in depth. With Council consensus, Mayor Harris deferred action on this agenda item until a special call meeting date is set. Adoption of Community Revitalization Plan — Harnett Training School Campus Project This Community Revitalization Plan is designed to address the needs of the community for basic infrastructure, community services, preservation of housing stock, and preservation of historic resources. Residents of the neighborhood will be partners with the City in three ways; by assisting in identifying revitalization needs, by participating in the design of revitalization strategies, and by being essential participants in implementing the strategies. Adopting a Community Revitalization Plan is part of the application process for the proposed Harnett Training School renovation project. However, this plan is going to be a catalyst for decision making and investing in the area since the plan covers a much wider area. Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Robinson and seconded by Council Member Galbreath to adopt the Northeast Dunn Community Revitalization Plan as presented. Motion unanimously approved. Temporary Blocking of Street Annual Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony The Downtown Dunn Development Corporation, DACC and Dunn Tourism Authority are requesting to close E. Broad Street from Clinton Avenue to Wilson Avenue and Wilson Avenue from Cumberland Street to Edgerton Street from 5:00 pm — 7:00 pm on Thursday, December 1, 2011 to hold the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Motion by Council Member Galbreath and seconded by Council Member Billy Tart to approve the temporary street closing as requested for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Motion unanimously approved. Update —Downtown Project Manager Autry stated that he along with Assistant Manager Neuschafer and City Engineers met last Wednesday, Friday and again yesterday with the contractor about their concerns with the progress of this project. At this time, the major focus is installation of curb and gutter and once complete, streets will be prepared for an asphalt base. The City should be in a position by the end of this week to start under cutting the streets to stone the roadways next week. This would enable the asphalt to be in place by Monday, November 21, 2011. Mr. Autry explained that the intersection of Wilson and Edgerton was blocked yesterday to remove the existing asphalt, concrete and excess dirt in order to take the crown from the intersection to match the grade of the new curb and street. This intersection should be back open this week. Mr. Autry stated that a diversion and re -route plan will be put in place for the annual downtown tree lighting ceremony and Christmas Parade. Mayor Hams expressed his appreciation to the City Manager and Assistant City Manager for their efforts with this project. He added that this isn't an easy project but the results will be great. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND /OR DECISION \� Financial Report Finance Director Mark Stephens provided the following financial report for the period ending September 30, 2011: • As of September 30, 2011, the City had $1.4M in cash in the General Fund and $2.4M in the Water -Sewer Fund. In September of 2010 the City had $1.6M in the General Fund and $23M in the Water -Sewer Fund. • Investment earnings are in the .35 % -.20% range. This is within the budgeted range. • Building permit fees were $13,462 or 16.83% of budget. Benchmark for this month is 25.00% of budget. • Water and sewer revenues were $1,287,783 or 29.60% of budget. Benchmark for this month is 25.00% of budget. 174 • Average fuel cost in September for unleaded was $2.95 per gallon and diesel was $3.13 per gallon. The City budgeted $3.00 per gallon. • Sales tax distribution was $249,423 or 18.68% of budget. Benchmark for this month is 16.67% of budget. • Expenditures were 23.2% of budget in the General Fund and 21.15% of budget in the Water and Sewer fund. The benchmark for this period is 25.00% of budget. • Audit report has been approved by the LGC and the report will be presented at the January Council meeting. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Motion by Council Member Galbreath and seconded by Council Member Tumage to approve the / Administrative Reports. Motion unanimously approved. ANNOUNCEMENTS The following announcements and/or comments were made. Mayor Harris: ➢ City of Dunn offices will be closed on November 11`h for Veterans Day and November 24b and 25th for Thanksgiving. ➢ Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 6:00 pm in Downtown Dunn. ➢ The Dunn Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 3:00 pm in Downtown Dunn. ➢ The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 7:00 pm. ➢ Veterans Day Commemoration was held on Sunday, November 6, 2011 at the General William C. Lee Museum. Council Member and Retired Lt. Colonel Chuck Tumage served as Master of Ceremonies and the guest speaker was Command Sgt. Major Campbell of Ft. Bragg. ➢ Touchstone Energy Cotton Festival was held at Tart Park on Saturday, November 5, 2011. ➢ David Ivey will be honored by the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 74 on Saturday December 101b. ➢ An invitation was sent by Lt. Angie Hinson inviting all the Council to the Dunn Police Explorers 5th Annual Banquet at the Dunn Community Building on Monday, November 14, 2011. Council Member Tumage: • A County-wide Veterans Day Ceremony will be held on Friday, November 11, 2011 at 11:00 am at the Veterans Park in Lillington. • Christmas on Broad Street will be held on Sunday, November 27, 2011 from 1:00 — 6:00 pm. Manager Autry: ➢ The North Carolina Department of Transportation ( NCDOT) will hold a Citizens Informational Workshop for Improving Vehicular Safety and Traffic Operations at Powell and Ashe Avenue to include the construction of a Round -a -Bout on December 8, 2011 from 5:00 pm — 7:00 pm in the courtroom of City Hall. The purpose of this meeting is for NCDOT representatives to provide information, and answer questions regarding this project. The opportunity to submit written comments will also be provided. Interested citizens may attend at any time during the above mentioned hours. There will be no formal presentation. NCDOT proposes to make safety improvements at Powell Avenue and Ashe Avenue. Improvements will include the construction of a Round -a -Bout to improve operations. Right of way acquisition will be required for this project. Anyone desiring additional information may contact Jerry Bradley, NCDOT Division Project Manager by phone: (910) 437 -2611, fax (910) 437 -2577 or by email: jbradley @ncdot.gov. Council Member Galbreath: ➢ As a follow -up to the last Council meeting, there were some concerns as it relates to the traffic at N. Sampson and McNeil Circle as well as parking in front of the Public Library and the comer of N. Wilson and E. Divine St. He spoke with the City Manager and Police Chief and they will be meeting to come up with some solutions and recommendations to bring back to the Council to alleviate the problems in these areas. ➢ In reference to shots fired last night in the 800'h block of E. Divine Street, some of the citizens that reside in this area are present tonight. He spoke with the City Manager today and has requested a meeting be held tomorrow with himself, Mayor Pro Tom Robinson, Chief Jones and Inspector Blackmon and Code Enforcement Officer King. The shots fired last night put the residents of a four block area in a very threatening situation. He made reference to a house in the 800th block of E. Divine Street that the City needs to take action due to illegal activity. He stated they will not allow one residence to disrupt the living conditions of folks in this neighborhood and the surrounding neighborhoods. He assured the residents that he will not stop until a solution is in place. Mayor Pro Tent Robinson: ➢ Wished a Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. ➢ The quality of life in our neighborhoods depends on us. There are some things that are beginning to show up in Dunn such as home invasions, violence and drug activity. The best prevention is active neighbors; people who look out for their neighborhoods and who report things that look strange. If you want a safe neighborhood, you have to be pro- active even if it's your neighbors' children. 175 With no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Council Member Maness and seconded by Council Member Billy Tart to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 p.m. Motion unanimously approved. Attest: kQ Debra G. West City Clerk ............ CITY O CORPO ' -• 2 per.. AL cAR01 mto A-AV O Harrik Mayor