02072012193
MINUTES
CITY OF DUNN
DUNN, NORTH CAROLINA
The City Council of the City of Dunn held a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, February 7, 2012, 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 Billy Barfield. 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, Chief Building Inspector
Mike Blackmon, Police Chief B.P. Jones, Recreation Director Perry Hudson, Librarian Mike
Williams, 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 Dennis Manuel to give
the invocation. Afterwards, the Pledge of Allegiance was repeated.
AGENDA ADJUSTMENT AND APPROVAL
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Robinson and seconded by Council Member Galbreath to adopt the February 7,
2012 meeting agenda with changes, if any, as listed below.
Items Added to the Agenda:
• none
Agenda Items Removed:
• none
Motion unanimously approved.
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Harris, City Manager Autry and Public Utilities Director Dean Gaster presented a retirement
resolution to Gary Barefoot, in recognition and appreciation of more than 33 years of service to the City of
Dunn Public Works Department[Wastewater Treatment Plant. A copy of Resolution (R2012 -04)
recognizing Gary Barefoot is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #1.
�r Mayor Harris removed Item # 3 (Black History Month Proclamation) from the Consent Agenda for
consideration by the Council. Mayor Harris made comments with reference to Black History Month and
recognized the accomplishments of Mayor Pro Tern Robinson.
Mayor Harris yielded to Mayor Pro Tent Robinson to preside over the remainder of the meeting.
Proclamation — Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Robinson and seconded by Council Member Galbreath to
approve a Proclamation designating the month of February as Black History Month. Mayor Harris read the
proclamation. A copy of Black History Month Proclamation (P2012 -01) is incorporated into these minutes
as Attachment #2.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Mayor Pro Tern Robinson opened the floor for a (30) minute public comment period.
Hearing no comments, the public comment period was closed.
Mayor Pro Tent Robinson opened public hearings at 7:18 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Property Unfit for Human Habitation
406 E. Granville Street
PIN #1516 -99- 0188.000
Mayor Pro Tom Robinson stated that the public has been notified that oral and written comments will be
heard and received concerning the dwelling located at 406 E. Granville Street as being unfit for human
habitation pursuant to N.C.G. S. 160A -441, ET SEQ.
This property is owned by Eric Deron and Eric Devon Ray.
The public hearing was duly advertised on January 24' and 31", 2012.
Mayor Pro Tern Robinson asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak for or against this
property being unfit for human habitation.
Mr. Cedric Turner of Knightdale, NC spoke on behalf of Eric Ray who resides in California. This house
has been rented several times and he has tried to maintain this property for Mr. Ray. The last person that
resided there vandalized the house and once they were evicted, they contacted the Building Inspector. He
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is cousin to Mr. Ray and due to circumstances the house has not been repaired. He agrees that the house
needs work but he doesn't agree that the house is unfit. He asked the Council for additional time to make
repairs and he asked that the Council not order the house be boarded up so that he can begin work on it.
Hearing no further comments, Mayor Pro Tern Robinson closed the public hearing.
V Public Hearing
Proposal to Apply to NCDCI for
Catalyst Funds —
Renovation of
Harnett Training School Campus
Mayor Pro Tom Robinson stated that the public has been notified that the City Council will hold a public �^
hearing for the purpose of receiving citizen input into the proposal to apply to the North Carolina
Department of Commerce Community Investment and Assistance ( NCDCI) for Catalyst Funds in the
amount of $500,000 to aid in the renovation of the Harnett Training School Campus.
He added that the North Carolina Catalyst Program provides a non - entitlement municipality or county the
opportunity to tailor a project to meet the community development needs specific and most critical to their
locality, primarily for their low- and moderate - income residents.
The public hearing was duly advertised on January 26, 2012
Mayor Pro Tem Robinson yielded to Housing Consultant and Developer Bill Farris for comments.
Mr. Farris explained that this is the first of two public hearings for the grant application. He stated that the
purpose of this hearing is to let the public know that the City of Dunn is considering an application and to
get comments on ideas and suggestions about what might be submitted.
The two major things that are possible is single - family housing and removal of hazardous materials such as
asbestos and lead, acquiring land, historic acquisition and rehab and multi- family projects. The preliminary
idea that is being developed is to use these funds in association with the adaptive reuse of the Hamett
Training School and to use the funds for hazardous material abatement, and assistance with the adaptive
reuse of the building for lower- income senior apartments.
Mr. Farris explained that this grant would be submitted by the City. These fonds would be loaned to the
project and the project will repay the City for these funds over a period of twenty years.
Mr. Farris stated that there are some administrative costs with this kind of program and it is possible to
fund those administrative costs out of the grant.
Mayor Pro Tem Robinson asked if anyone else wished to speak for or against this proposal.
Ms. Jessie McKoy spoke in support of this project. In 1921 she was five years old. During the I� and 2nd
grade she went to school at the church. During her 2 °d year of school, this school was completed and she
started school there until her graduation. Once she received her teaching degree, she also taught there. She
appreciates what is being done at this campus and it brings back lovely memories. Whatever good can be
done there, she supports the renovation of this project; adding she may need to live there one day.
Ms. Linda Sturdivant, Chairman of the National Harnett High School Alumni Association, spoke in support
of this project. She is a 1965 graduate of Harnett High School. After college, she taught school in Harnett
County for over thirty years. She would love to tell her grandchildren one day about the renovation of this
project. She shared a letter from the President of National Harnett High School Alumni Association
commending the Council for their efforts in restoring this building. The memories of Harnett High School
can now last forever.
Mr. Thomas Ellis, President of Harnett Historical Association, spoke in support of this project. He credited
his organization for bringing attention to the Rosenwald School.
Hearing no further comments, Mayor Pro Tern Robinson closed the public hearings at 7:41 p.m.
CONSENTITEMS
Minutes — Council considered approval of minutes of the January 5, 2012 Special Call meeting.
Minutes — Council considered approval of minutes of the January 10, 2012 City Council meeting.
Budget Amendment — Council considered approval of BA #6. A copy of BA #6 is incorporated into these
minutes as Attachment #3.
Motion by Council Member Billy Tart and seconded by Council Member Turnage to approve all consent
items. Motion unanimously approved.
ITEMS FOR DECISION
Consideration of Ordinance
Declaring Property Unfit for
Human Habitation —
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406 E. Granville Street
PIN #1516 -99- 0188.000
PARCEL 402151608600010
Manager Autry stated that Chief Building Inspector Mike Blackmon has conducted an inspection at 406 E.
Granville Street and found the structure in a deteriorated condition that does not meet the requirements of
the City of Dunn Minimum Housing Code (MI-IC). The Chief Building Inspector also found the property
dangerous or prejudicial to the public health or public safety and is a nuisance in violation of N.C.G.S.
160A -193.
If the owner of the property has not repaired, altered or improved the property to bring it into compliance
with Section 4 -31 of the Dunn City Code within (12) months of the adoption of this ordinance, the Building
Inspector is directed to bring the matter back before the City Council for further consideration of remedies
i available to the City of Dunn under N.C.G.S. 160A -443.
Chief Inspector Blackmon stated that the last tenant that resided there filed a complaint with the Inspection
Department and a minimum housing inspection was done. The Inspection Department sent letters to the
owners who in tam notified Mr. Cedric Turner. A hearing was held and attended by Mr. Cedric Turner on
behalf of the owner who is also his cousin. Mr. Turner has spent money out of his pocket to try and repair
the house and he has shown some interest in repairing this house.
Inspector Blackmon asked City Attorney Pope if the City is required by law, to board up this house. He
added that at this point, Mr. Turner has been able to keep the property secure and would like to be able to
enter it to perform the necessary work. Attorney Pope responded that by law, the house must be secure and
it will have to be placarded as unfit for human habitation and nobody will be allowed to occupy the
premises only for work pursuant to valid permits that have been issued to be performed.
Mayor Harris pointed out that even with the adoption of this ordinance, it will not hinder or prohibit Mr.
Turner from proceeding with repairing and bringing this dwelling within the minimum housing code.
Motion by Council Member Galbreath and seconded by Council Member Tumage to adopt the Ordinance
Declaring the Property located at 406 E. Granville Street (PIN #1516 -99- 0188.000) as Unfit for Human
Habitation Pursuant to N.C.G.S. 160A -441, ET SEQ. Motion unanimously approved. A copy of
Ordinance (02012 -03) Declaring Property located at 406 E. Granville Street Unfit for Human Habitation
is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #4.
Consideration of Ordinance to
Repair or Demolish Dwelling —
400 S. Magnolia Avenue
PIN #1516 -65- 3779.000
w PARCEL #02151611180001
(Tabled at 1 -10 -12 CCMtg.)
Motion by Council Member Maness and seconded by Council Member Barfield to table this Ordinance
until the March 13, 2012 meeting and to continue to receive progress reports from the Building Inspector.
Mayor Pro Tem Robinson asked Chief Inspector Blackmon for a short update on the progress being made
to this property.
Mr. Blackmon provided the Council with a list detailing all work performed at this property since the
February Council meeting. He reported that Ms. Benton (daughter of the owner) applied for a permit
which was issued on Friday morning, January 27h. Work started on the roof area due to severe leaks inside
the house and work has been steadily taking place daily. As of this afternoon, 95% of the roof has been
replaced. With Mrs. Benton residing in Texas, he feels that great progress is being made.
Motion unanimously approved.
Consideration of Authorizing Resolution to
File an Application with the Rural Center for a
NC Building Restoration and Reuse Grant —
"The McKay House"
100 E. Divine Street
Manager Autry stated that this resolution would authorize the Mayor to file an application on behalf of the
City of Dunn with the Rural Center for a Building Restoration and Reuse Grant to assist in the productive
reuse of a vacant building known as `The McKay House" and owned by Mr. and Mrs. John Mercer.
Manager Autry stated that this building has not been occupied since 1987. It was purchased by Mr. and
Mrs. John Mercer in 2008. Mr. & Mrs. Mercer are pursuing a Building Reuse Grant in the amount of
$32,000 from the Rural Center to finish the restoration of this 4,969 sq. ft. unoccupied historic property
(The McKay House) to commercial use income producing. Upon completion, the building will create a
minimum of four new jobs through a business called Breezeway Cafe.
The City of Dunn must contribute a cash match of at least 5% of the grant amount ($2,000).
Discussion was held about the benefits of creating this business within the City.
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Motion by Council Member Maness and seconded by Council Member Tumage to approve the Resolution
Authorizing the Mayor to file an application on behalf of the City of Dunn with the Rural Center for a
Building Restoration and Reuse Grant for "The McKay House ". Motion unanimously approved. A copy
ofthis Authorizing Resolution (82012 -05) is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #5.
Application for an
Owner's Permit to
Operate a Taxicab
(Deferred at I -10 -12 CCMig.)
Mayor Pro Tem Robinson stated that the applicant, Mr. Rodney Johnson of 1202 Fairground Road, Dunn,
NC has completed the appropriate application and applicable materials; has provided a background check
and fingerprints which have reported a clean record with no criminal or civil violations.
He added that should the Council approve the taxicab owner's permit application, approval should be
contingent upon Mr. Johnson satisfactorily submitting all vehicle information pursuant to the City Code.
A motion was made by Council Member Maness and seconded by Council Member Billy Tart to approve
the taxicab owner's permit application contingent upon Mr. Johnson satisfactorily submitting all vehicle
information pursuant to the City Code. Motion unanimously approved.
Mayoral Appointments —
Council Committee Assignments
(Deferred at 1 -10 -12 CCMtg.)
The following Council committee appointments were made by Mayor Harris:
Municipal Administration
Library Board
Public Works
ABC Board
Police Department
Recreation Board/Senior Center
Housing Authority
Mid - Carolina Council of Government
Planning Board
Harnett Local Government Association
Authorization for Police Department to
Accept National Association of Police
Athletic League -
National PAL 2011 -2012 Mentoring Grant
Buddy Maness /Carrell Robinson
Billy Barfield
Camell Robinson/Billy Tart
Bryan Galbreath
Bryan Galbreath/Chuck Tumage
Buddy Maness /Chuck Tumage
Billy Barfield
Billy Barfield
Buddy Maness/Billy Tart
All
Manager Autry explained that the Council is being asked to accept this PAL Mentor Coordinator Grant
from National Association of Police Athletic /Activities League, Inc. for January 1, 2012 through December
31, 2012.
This grant is to hire a full -time Mentor Coordinator for 8 months at $9.00 per hour to recruit Mentors and
Mentees (Youth) and connect them together to help the youth and reduce juvenile crime.
The total grant amount is $15,000.00 which includes the coordinator position, training and training
materials. Position $12,600.00, FICA $964.00, travel and training $1,027.00, supplies $409.00. This is a
no match grant.
Motion by Council Member Galbreath and seconded by Council Member Tumage to authorize the Police
Department to accept the National Association of Police Athletic League Mentoring Grant. Motion
unanimously approved.
Authorization to Apply for
Rural Business Enterprise Grant
(RBEG) from USDA Rural Development
Assistant City Manager Neuschafer requested authorization to apply to the USDA for RBEG funds for a
non - matching grant of up to $75,000.00 to complete sidewalk and curbing at the Machine and Welding
parking lot which is a public parking lot owned by the City of Dunn.
The RBEG program provides grants for rural projects that finance and facilitate development of small and
emerging rural businesses, fund business incubators, and help fund employment related adult education
programs. To assist with business development, RBEGs may fund a broad array of activities.
Motion by Council Member Barfield and seconded by Council Member Galbreath to approve City staff to
apply for the (RBEG) Grant Funding. Motion unanimously approved.
Temporary Blocking of Streets
Boogie on Broad Concert Series
Manager Autry stated that a request has been received from the Event Planning Committee of the Dunn
Area Chamber of Commerce requesting the closing of E. Broad Street by 2:00 p.m. from Wilson Avenue to
Clinton Avenue. At 5:00 p.m., they are requesting to have Wilson Avenue closed from Cumberland St. to
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Edgerton St. or as best determined by the Dunn Police Department on the following dates for the event,
Boogie on Broad Concert Series in Downtown Dunn:
• Thursday, April 12, 2012
• Thursday, May 10, 2012
• Thursday, May 31, 2012 (This date was chosen due to cyclists being in town during this time)
• Thursday, October 4, 2012
Motion by Council Member Billy Tart and seconded by Council Member Maness to approve the temporary
blocking of streets as requested by the DACC to hold the Boogie on Broad Concert Series in Downtown
Dunn. Motion unanimously approved.
Set Budget Retreat Date
FY 12 -13
(Deferred at 1 -10 -12 CCMtg.)
Mayor Pro Tem Robinson stated that the budget retreat for FY 12 -13 will be held on Friday, March 2, 2012
and Saturday, March 3, 2012 at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort in Wrightsville Beach, NC.
The meeting will convene on March 2, 2012 at 9:45 am.
This Budget Retreat will prioritize goals of the City and how to accomplish them for FY 2012 -13.
Motion by Council Member Turnage and seconded by Council Member Billy Tart to approve the budget
retreat date for March 2 & 3, 2012 as proposed.
Mayor Pro Tern Robinson asked if there was any discussion.
Council Member Barfield stated that he wants to have the retreat in Dunn; he thinks they're cheating the
people of Dunn and not selling our City by not using our own facilities.
Mayor Harris responded that this does not cheat the citizens of Dunn because of the commitment that they
have made and what they plan to accomplish. He added that the Council only has a retreat such as this
every four years after an election and every other retreat is held locally. He pointed out that whenever
various meetings such as the NCLM Annual Conference are held, only a few members of the Council
attend and then they report back to share information with the remainder of the Council. The City Council
and staff give of their time and attention and will give of their Saturday to attend to City business. During
this Planning Retreat, they need the undivided attention of the Council and Department heads. He read the
proposed printed Retreat Agenda and commented about each subject matter.
Mayor Pro Tern Robinson stated that people are prone to take care of their business when they hold retreats
locally. He added that for the amount of money this retreat will cost, they are not spending money but they
are investing money in an effort to benefit our citizens and move our City forward.
Council Member Galbreath stated that they have a lot of good things going on in Dunn and they need to
stay focused without any interruptions. This is a small amount to pay in order to reap good benefits in the
future.
Motion carried 5 -1 with Council Member Barfield voting against.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
AND /OR DECISION
Financial Report
Finance Director Mark Stephens provided the following financial report for the period ending December
31,2011:
• As of December 31, 2011, the City had $2.7M in cash in the General Fund and $2.6M in the
Water -Sewer Fund. In December of 2010 the City had $2.9M in the General Fund and $2.5M in
the Water -Sewer Fund.
• Investment earnings are in the .35 %.20% range. This is within the budgeted range.
• Building permit fees were $20,782 or.25.98% of budget. Benchmark for this month is 50.00% of
budget.
• Water and sewer revenues were $23M or 53.24% of budget. Benchmark for this month is
50.00% of budget.
Average fuel cost in December for unleaded was $2.70 per gallon and diesel was $3.12 per gallon.
The City budgeted $3.00 per gallon.
• Sales tax distribution was $545,910 or 40.89% of budget. Benchmark for this month is 41.67% of
budget.
Expenditures were 48.14% of budget in the General Fund and 43.22% of budget in the Water and
Sewer fund. The benchmark for this period is 50.00% of budget.
Motion by Council Member Galbreath and seconded by Council Member Maness to accept the Financial
Report. Motion unanimously approved.
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Motion by Council Member Maness and seconded by Council Member Tumage to approve the
Administrative Reports. Motion unanimously approved.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The following announcements and/or comments were made.
Mayor Pro Tom Robinson:
➢ Harnett Local Government Meeting has been rescheduled from February 20i1 to Monday, March
5th at 6:30 pm at Heaths Steak House in Dunn. Please let Debbie or Melissa know if you plan to
attend.
➢ NCDOT will hold a Community Meeting to discuss the I -95 widening project on Thursday,
February 23d from 4 -7 pm at the Dunn Community Building.
➢ The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 7:00 pm.
Mayor Harris:
➢ He encouraged everyone to attend the NCDOT public hearing on February 23". At this time,
Exits 72 and 73 will not be closed and the City of Dunn is very appreciative to NCDOT.
Council Member Maness:
➢ He wished everyone a very Happy Valentine's Day.
Council Member Galbreath:
➢ He thanked the Harnett County NAACP and Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Committee
for the commemoration events that were held in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday in
January. He thanked Chief Jones and the police department for their assistance with the MLK
parade.
➢ He thanked those businesses in Fayetteville that assisted with the Mobile Food Pantry that was
held at Tart Park. It helped to serve the needs of a lot of less fortunate citizens within the
community. Ten thousand pounds of free food and groceries were distributed.
➢ He thanked the youth of Mt. Pisgah Church for giving a day of service to the clean-up effort of the
old Wilkins Cemetery and he asked that the Council look at some creative ways to assist in the
clean-up of this historic cemetery.
Council Member Barfield:
➢ He stated that volunteers are needed to assist with the Special Olympics of Harnett County which
is scheduled for April 20i1. Each participant will need an assistant.
➢ He asked Manager Autry to offer the City employees an incentive to help with the Special
Olympics.
Council Member Tumage:
➢ The Dunn High School Friends will hold their class reunion on February 17th and 18th.
Closed Session
Mayor Pro Tem Robinson stated that they anticipate action to be taken immediately after the closed
session.
8:34 pm - Motion by Council Member Galbreath and seconded by Council Member Billy Tart to enter
closed session in accordance with N.C. General Statute 143- 318.11(a)(5) for the purpose of discussing
matters relating to land acquisition Motion unanimously approved.
9:04 pm— Closed Session ended.
Motion by Council Member Maness and seconded by Council Member Barfield to approve the closed
session minutes as recorded by City Attorney Pope. Motion unanimously approved.
Motion by Council Member Maness and seconded by Council Member Barfield to authorize the City
Manager, City Attorney and Mayor to enter into a contract to purchase the James Donnie Edwards &
Phoebe Diane Edwards property (one acre on J.W. Edwards Lane adjacent to the City of Dunn Black River
Wastewater Treatment Plant and 18' easement in a westerly direction from the west property line totaling
.31 acre- TOTAL 1.3 acres t) in the amount of $12,000. Motion unanimously approved. A copy of the
Preliminary Plat identifying this parcel ofproperty is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #6.
With no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Council Member Maness and seconded by
Council Member Barfield to adjourn the meeting at 9:06 p.m. Motion unanimously approved.
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