03122013300
MINUTES
CITY OF DUNN
DUNN, NORTH CAROLINA
The City Council of the City of Dunn held a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, at 7:00
p.m. in the Dunn Municipal Building. Present was Mayor Oscar N. Harris, Mayor Pro Tern Bryan
Galbreath, Council Members Buddy Maness, Billy Tart, Chuck Turnage and Billy Barfield. Also
present was City Manager Ronnie Autry, Assistant City Manager Steven Neuschafer, Finance
Director Mark Stephens, Public Works Director Billy Addison, Public Utilities Director Dean Gaster,
Chief Building Inspector Mike Blackmon, Planning Director Samantha Wullenwaber, Police Chief
B.P. Jones, Recreation Director Perry Hudson, Human Resources Director Anne Thompson, City
Engineer Michael Goliber, Retired City Engineer Ed Powell, City Attorney P. Tilghman Pope, City
Clerk Debra West, and Daily Record Reporter Brian Haney.
Absent: Council Member N. Carnell Robinson
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 Galbreath and seconded by Council Member Tumage to adopt the March 12,
2013 meeting agenda with changes, if any, as listed below.
Items Added to the Agenda:
• none
Agenda Items Removed:
• none
Agenda Adjustment:
• Move consent item #8 Girl Scout Week Proclamation from the Consent Agenda to Presentations
• Move consent item #7 Multiple Sclerosis Proclamation from the Consent Agenda
Motion unanimously approved.
PRESENTATIONS
Proclamation Presentation
Honoring the Memory and Legacy of
Mr. Hoover Adams
Mayor Harris presented a proclamation Honoring the Memory and Legacy of Mr_ Hoover Adams to the
family of Mr. Adams. A copy of Proclamation (P2013 -05) honoring the late Hoover Adams is
incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #1.
Retirement Resolution
Tony Strickland
Mayor Harris, City Manager Ronnie Autry and Police Chief S.P. Jones presented a retirement resolution to
Tony Strickland in recognition and appreciation of 27 years of service. In addition, he was presented with
his badge and the service weapon worn. A copy of Retirement Resolution (82013 -05) recognizing Tony
Strickland is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #2.
Proclamation Presentation
Girl Scout Week
Mayor Harris presented a proclamation to Girl Scout Troop #1783 designating the week of March 10 -16,
2013 as Girl Scout Week in the City of Dunn. A copy of Girl Scout Week Proclamation (P2013 -06) is
incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #3.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Mayor Harris opened the floor for a (30) minute public comment period
Hearing no comments, the public comment period was closed.
Mayor Harris opened public hearings at 7:36 p.m.
301
PUBLIC HEARING
1" Public Hearing -
CDBG Funds
Economic Development Program
Mayor Hams stated that the North Carolina Department of Commerce's Division of Community
Assistance and Commerce Finance Center administer the US Housing and Urban Development's Small
Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The Division of Community Assistance
with the exception of the Economic Development Program, which the Commerce Finance Center
administers, administers all CDBG programs. The CDBG Program permits a wide range of economic and
community development activities including: acquisition; public facilities construction; loans to private
businesses; housing rehabilitation; code enforcement; clearance; project planning and administration; etc.
Applications for Economic Development must show that in excess of 60% of CDBG funds will provide
benefit to low or moderate - income persons through new job creation or job retention. Applications for
other CDBG programs, with the exception of Urgent Needs funds, must show that in excess of 50% of
funds will provide benefit to low or moderate- income persons.
He stated that the City of Dunn is considering seeking funds from the North Carolina Department of
Commerce's Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). Citizen comments on
the potential use of the CDBG program are now requested.
The public hearing was duly advertised on February 26, 2013.
Mayor Harris asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak for or against the City of Dunn's
intention to seek State of North Carolina CDBG program funds.
Hearing no comments, Mayor Harris closed the public hearing at 7:37 pm
Council Member Barfield requested that consent items #9 & #10 be removed from the consent agenda for
consideration.
Minutes— Council considered approval of minutes of the February 12, 2013 City Council meeting.
Motion by Council Member Barfield and seconded by Council Member Tumage to approve all consent
items. Motion unanimously approved.
Items #7. #9. #10 removed from Consent Aeenda:
#7 - Proclamation - Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week
Council Member Turnage read a Proclamation designating the week of March 11 -17, 2013 as Multiple
Sclerosis Awareness Week in the City of Dunn.
Motion by Council Member Tumage and seconded by Council Member Barfield to approve MS Awareness
Week Proclamation. Motion unanimously approved. A copy of MS Awareness Week Proclamation
(P2013 -07) is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #4.
#9 - Budget Amendments
Council considered approval of BA #7, #8 and #9. BA #7 is to record $15,000.00 received in insurance
proceeds from a wrecked police car, BA #8 is to record $80,000 received from the Rural Center Grant for a
new wound care facihty at Harnett Health System and the City's required 5% match of $4,000.00, and BA
#9 is to record a transfer of $13,965.46 from the General Fund to E -911 Fund.
Council Member Barfield questioned who was at fault in the police vehicle referenced in BA #7. Manager
Autry responded that it was the fault of the police officer. Council Member Barfield requested they be
informed when an incident occurs.
Council Member Barfield questioned monies being removed from the auto fuel account for BA #8 and
suggested monies be removed from contingency instead of the fuel account to avoid this account being
overspent.
Motion by Council Member Barfield and seconded by Council Member Billy Tart to approve BA #7, #8,
and #9. Motion unanimously approved. A copy of BA #7, #8 and #9 is incorporated into these minutes
as Attachment #S.
#10 - Surplus Resolution — Council considered approval of a Resolution Authorizing the Disposition of
Personal Property by electronic means through www.GovDcals.com.
Council Member Barfield stated that the public should be notified of the items on the surplus list.
Motion by Council Member Barfield and seconded by Council Member Tumage to approve Surplus
Resolution. Motion unanimously approved. A copy of Surplus Resolution (R2013 -06) is incorporated
into these minutes as Attachment #6.
ITEMS FOR DECISION
Consideration of Ordinance to
Repair or Demolish Dwelling -
406 E. Granville Street
PIN #1516 -99- 0188.000
PARCEL #02151608600010
302
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 (MHC). 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.
The owner of the property has failed to comply with the Chief Building Inspector's order to bring the
structure on the property into compliance with the City of Dunn M14C and pursuant to N.C.G.S. §160A-
443, the City Council has the authority to direct the Chief Building Inspector to post on the main entrance
of the property a placard that states "This building is unfit for human habitation; the use or occupation of
this building for human habitation is prohibited and unlawful ".
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 the (12) months of the adoption of the ordinance on
February 7, 2012. The Building Inspector is bringing the matter back before the City Council for further
consideration of remedies available to the City of Dunn under N.C.G.S. § 160A -443.
Chief Inspector Blackmon stated that this house was inspected over a year ago for minimum housing code
violations. The owners live in California and were notified of the items that needed attention and nothing
has been done. The Council deemed it unfit for human habitation and by statute, it is required to sit for (12)
months to give the owners an opportunity to make the necessary repairs and to his knowledge, nothing has
been done, no permits have been issued and it is back before the Council to authorize further action.
The Council allowed comments from a representative of the property owner who was present in the
audience. Mr. Cedric Turner of Knightdale, spoke on behalf of his cousin Eric Ray. Mr. Turner read
portions of a letter from the owner of the property indicating that tenants damaged the house and he was
unable to repair the house and would like to put the property up for sale instead of demolishing it and is
requesting an opportunity to sell the house. The price of the house has been reduced three times since
December. If the house is demolished, the owner cannot pay the demolition costs.
Chief Inspector Blackmon was instructed to explain to Mr. Turner after the Council meeting, the process
which has been followed with regard to this property.
The Council questioned why the property owner has not made contact or communicated with the
Inspections department in the twelve (12) months since the house was deemed inhabitable. Marketing the
house at this point is not the solution.
The Council questioned why this letter was not mailed to the City and informed Mr. Turner that the
Council made an exception tonight to allow him to speak to them about this letter.
Motion by Council Member Barfield and seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Galbreath to adopt the Ordinance
Directing the Owner of the Property located at 406 E. Granville Street (PIN #1516 -99- 0188.000) to Make
the Dwelling Fit for Human Habitation or Directing the Building Inspector to Demolish and Remove the
Dwelling pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 160A -441, ET SEQ and directing the Inspector to have the house secured
in the interim. Motion unanimously approved. A copy of Ordinance (02013 -01) Directing the owner of
406 E. Granville Street to Make the Dwelling Fit for Human Habitation or Directing the Building Inspector
to Demolish and Remove the Dwelling is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #7.
Reject Bids
Highway 301 South Elevated Tank
Manager Autry stated that bids were received and opened on Thursday, January 31, 2013 for the Highway
301 South Elevated Tank. This project provided for the construction of a 500,000 gallon elevated water
storage tank more particularly located on Arrowhead Road.
Bids received were much higher than projected. After further evaluation, it was determined that the
existing water capacity flow in the surrounding water lines would be sufficient at the present time.
Staff recommends that the Council reject all bids submitted for this project.
Motion by Council Member Turnage and seconded by Council Member Tart to reject all bids submitted for
the Highway 301 South Elevated Tank Project. Motion unanimously approved.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
AND /OR DECISION
Shared Sick Leave Policy
(Review for Possible Amendments)
Manager Autry explained that in adopting the Shared Sick Leave Policy at the February 12, 2013 Council
meeting, Council member Robinson requested a comparison be made between the City policy and the
Shared Leave Policy administered by the State of North Carolina.
A comparison chart was provided to the Council for evaluation
No action required.
303
Amendment to Harnett High
Alumni Lease Agreement
Manager Autry explained that a formal request has been received from John Fitzpatrick, President of the
National Harnett High School Alumni Association, asking that Section 5 of the current Harnett High
School Alumni Lease Agreement be amended by removing or reducing the requirement to purchase general
liability insurance in the amount of $500,000.00.
This $500,000.00 insurance requirement was set in 2001 when this property was owned by Harnett County
and subleased by the City of Dunn. This property was transferred to the City of Dunn in January of 2009.
Mayor Harris asked what would be the impact upon the City if this was changed.
City Attorney Pope responded that the City of Dunn would still have insurance coverage under its own
umbrella if they waived the insurance requirement; however, if someone is injured on the property and
made a claim, they would be making a claim against the City's insurance policy which then would affect
the City's premiums. In this circumstance, the City is acting as a commercial landlord. There are other
tenants at this facility who are required to maintain 1M in liability insurance. If a tenant is required to have
insurance then if someone is hurt on the property, it would not affect the City's claim ratio. When renting
commercial property, most standards require 1M in insurance and given the use of this particular property
he understands the reduced $500,000 insurance requirement. He does not advise clients to not require
tenants to maintain liability insurance.
Council discussed that this is the proper way of doing business and they owe it to the citizens of Dunn to
protect the assets of the City.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Galbreath and seconded by Council Member Tumage to authorize the City
Manager to request a proposal from the Harnett High Alumni Association stating the amount of liability
insurance they would like to insure this facility for consideration. Motion carried 4 -1 with Council
Member Maness voting against.
Summer Hours
Manager Autry stated that for the past nine years, the City Council has approved summer operating hours
for City offices. The summer hours of 7:30 am — 4:00 pm begin May l't and end September 30'.
It is requested that the Council consider beginning these operating hours on April I' and ending September
30s' at which time it will be evaluated to consider extending your - round.
To allow adequate time to notify our citizens, the City Council is being asked to adopt these hours effective
April 1"
The transition to summer hours which coincide closely with daylight savings time, has worked very well
during the last nine years and discussion was held at the recent Budget Retreat/Planning Session to extend
these operating hours year- round.
Motion by Council Member Tumage and seconded by Council Member Maness to adopt the summer
operating hours of 7:30 am — 4:00 pm beginning April In and ending September 30th at which time it will
be evaluated to consider extending to year -round operating hours.
Council Member Barfield stated that the citizens are not being serviced with these summer hours. At the
Budget Retreat, they suggested that the hours be staggered. The employees can use the Recreation Center
after hours.
Mayor Harris asked Manager Autry how many years has the City operated under summer hours. Manager
Autry responded nine years.
Mayor Pro Tern Galbreath stated that this is a way of rewarding the employees and showing them
appreciation for doing a good job. He doesn't feel this will inconvenience any of the citizens. It has
worked well over the past nine years and he feels they need to continue it. He questioned why the month of
April has been proposed.
Manager Autry responded that the proposal coincided with daylight savings time.
Motion carried 4 -1 with Council Member Barfield voting against.
Business Development
Incentive Grant Program
Manager Autry explained to the Council that the City of Dunn does not currently have an incentive
program and this is something that the Council is being asked to evaluate and adopt a Business
Development Incentive Grant Program to spur economic growth for our community. The intention is to
reward investment choices which benefit the City of Dunn and our surrounding community. This program
is not intended for purely residential projects, the focus should be on the creation of business and mixed use
properties which expand the tax base and increase the livability of the citizens of our community.
CIE,
This request is not a mirror of the Harnett County Economic Development Incentive, as those incentives
are generally for industrial and manufacturing businesses. This proposed incentive program is for business
and development of real property. There are also several North Carolina General Statutes that have
guidance on these types of economic development incentives.
The City Council will decide which business or development is granted incentives after a thorough
evaluation of the services needed by the business /development by the City.
It was discussed that further evaluation be compared with other municipalities and bring back proposals to
the Council.
Set Date for
Special Call Meeting
Harnett Training School
Campus Project
The Council is being asked to set a Special Call meeting date to meet with housing consultant Scott
Redinger and representatives of the DCDC and PAL, as it relates to the tax credit process for the Harnett
Training School Campus Project application. Deadline for submission of the final application to the North
Carolina Housing Finance Agency is May, 2013.
This was discussed during the recent Budget Retreat/Planning Session.
Mayor Harris stated that a Special Call meeting will be held immediately upon adjournment of the regular
Council meeting on April 9, 2013 to discuss the Harnett Training School Campus project tax credits.
Financial Report
Finance Director Mark Stephens provided the following financial report for the period ending January 31,
2013:
• As of January 31, 2013, the City had $3.9M in cash in the General Fund and $1.7M in the Water -
Sewer Fund. In January of 2012 the City had $3.6M in the General Fund and $2.6M in the Water -
Sewer Fund.
• Investment earnings are in the .15 % -.08% range.
• Building permit fees were $43,531 or 96.74% of budget. Benchmark for this month is 58.33% of
budget.
• Water and sewer revenues were $2,550,745 or 55.27% of budget. Benchmark for this month is
58.33% of budget.
• Average fuel cost in January for unleaded was $2.70 per gallon and diesel was $3.20 per gallon.
The City budgeted $3.35 per gallon.
• Sales tax revenue was $705,591 or 51.88% of budget. Benchmark for this month is 50.00% of
budget.
• Expenditures were 53.74% of budget in the General Fund and 57.59% of budget in the Water and
Sewer fund. The benchmark for this period is 58.33% of budget.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Galbreath and seconded by Council Member Tumage to accept the
Administrative Reports. Motion unanimously approved.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The following announcements and/or comments were made.
Mayor Harris:
➢ Revitalization Celebration Committee has established May 2 -5, 2013 for the Downtown
Revitalization Celebration. Activities will be held during this three day event.
➢ City of Dunn offices will be closed on Friday, March 29" in observance of Good Friday.
➢ Boogie on Broad will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2013 from 6 -9 pm in Downtown Dunn.
➢ The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 7:00 pm.
With no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Council Member Tart and seconded by Council
Member Tumage to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 p.m. Motion unanimously approved.
Attest:
CAL
Debra G. West
City Clerk
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