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10042007254 MINUTES CITY OF DUNN DUNN, NORTH CAROLINA The City Council of the City of Dunn held a Regular Meeting on Thursday, October 4, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. in the Dunn Municipal Building. Present was Mayor J. Dal Snipes, Mayor Pro Tem Donnie Olds, Council Members Buddy Maness, Bryan Galbreath, Billy Tart, Billy Ray Godwin, Jr., and Joey Tart. Also present was City Manager Ronnie Autry, City Planner Steven Neuschafer, Chief Building Inspector Mike Blackmon, Recreation Director Perry Hudson, Librarian Mike Williams, Police Chief B.P. Jones, Public Works Director Billy Addison, Public Utilities Director Dean Gaster, Fire Chief Austin Tew, City Engineer Ed Powell, City Attorney P. Tilghman Pope, City Clerk Debra West, and Daily Record Reporter Steve Reed. i INVOCATION Mayor Snipes 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 Motion by Council Member Billy Tart, seconded by Council Member Joey Tart to adopt the October 4, 2007 meeting agenda with changes, if any, as listed below. Items Added to the Agenda: • Closed Session to discuss personnel Agenda Items Removed: • none PRESENTATION PROCLAMATION PRESENTATION MITCH NOBLES Mayor Snipes presented Dunn Public Works employee Mitch Nobles with a proclamation recognizing his commendable actions on August 10, 2007. A copy of Proclamation (P2007 -I3) is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment W. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Mayor Snipes opened the floor for a (30) minute public comment period. Ms. Betty Spears, a resident of the Dunn area, stated that she would like to give her time to Pastor Stanley Williams. Mayor Snipes responded that time could not be piggy - backed; however, she had three minutes to make any comment. Ms. Spears stated that she had no comment. Ms. Jennifer Pegues, 803 Susan Tart Road, Apt. B - waived her time to Stanley Williams. Ms. Pauline Williams, address not given — waived her time to Pastor Stanley Williams. Stanley S. Williams, address not given — stated that he requested to be placed on the agenda but received no response from the City Manager. The last time he appeared before the Council, he came in regard to 909 E. Edgerton Street. He stated that Mr. Surles gave a statement that people had gone into this house including drug abusers, and crack addicts. Mr. Williams added that Council members Olds and Galbreath went onto this property and trespassed as well, no better than any drug or crack addict that had entered this property. Mr. Williams stated that Mr. Olds walked into the property, gave his assessment, and gave information that was not factual. Mr. Williams stated that Mr. Olds embellished what he had seen, and this Council denied him (Mr. Williams) the right to an extension. At the same Council meeting, there was another property owner who had an elderly woman living in a condemned building; a building that was up for demolition ( -.- also; however, this Council granted that property owner an extension to make repairs to his property. Mr. Williams stated that he has a lot to discuss with this Council in regard to what the Council is calling a clean -up. Mr. Williams added that he has an (81) year old mother whose property was flagged. She contacted and spoke with Building Inspector, Mike Blackmon about two offers to purchase the property. She made notice to the City and was referred to the City Attorney who never returned her call. She received two offers to purchase the property, and the next thing she knew, the property was demolished. Mr. Williams stated that this City Council appears to be proud of the clean -up they have done. He is not promoting blighted properties; however, there could be a way that everyone receives satisfaction from a bad situation. Mr. Williams asked that every property owner who had their property demolished contact him because this City and Council have not followed the statues that they state in the letters that they send out. Mayor Snipes stated that during the public comment period, the Council does not debate or discuss an issue. He stated that this Council and the officials that handle these matters take them very seriously and 255 they handle them to the letter of the law. These comments will be discussed with the City Manager, City Attorney and Building Inspector's office. Hearing no further comments a motion was made by Council Member Godwin, and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem. Olds to close the public comment period. Motion unanimously approved. CONSENTITEMS Minutes - Council considered approval of minutes of the September 6, 2007 Council meeting. Tax Releases/Refunds- Council considered approval of Tax Releases/Refunds #133 - #137. A copy of Tax Releases /Refunds is filed in the office of the Tax Collector. DOT Municipal Agreement/Resolution — Council considered approval of a DOT Municipal Agreement and Resolution allowing the Department of Transportation to perform bridge inspections in the City of Dunn. A copy of the Municipal Agreement and Resolution (82007 -16) allowing the Department of Transportation to penfonn bridge inspections in the City ofDumn is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #2. Proclamation — Council considered approval of a Proclamation designating October 21 through October 27, 2007 as National Friends of Libraries Week. — Council Member Joey Tart read the proclamation. Mayor Snipes thanked Librarian Mike Williams and the Friends of the Library for the job they do for the citizens. A copy of Proclamation (P2007 -14) National Friends of Libraries Week is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment 93. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Olds and seconded by Council Member Joey Tart to approve all consent items. Motion unanimously approved. ITEMS FOR DECISION TEMPORARY CLOSING OF STREETS COTTON FESTIVAL Manager Autry explained that the NC Cotton Festival Committee has requested that the following streets be closed for the 8` Annual Cotton Festival on November 2 -3, 2007. Friday, Nov. 2 • Edgerton Street from Railroad to the parking lot behind Sherry's Bakery (2:00 p.m. — after festival) • Edgerton Street and Wilson Avenue (5:30 p.m. — after festival) T Saturday, Nov. 3 • Broad Street from Clinton Avenue to King Avenue • Wilson Avenue from Cumberland Street to the driveway at Eastside Fire Dept. • Edgerton Street from Fayetteville Avenue to the alley behind Sherry's Bakery • Fayetteville Avenue from Cumberland Street to Edgerton Street • Lucknow Avenue from Cumberland Street to Broad Street Additional Requests • Use of First Citizens Bank parking lot leased to the City of Dunn • Assistance from city personnel (police, public works, parks and recreation) • Street sweeper to clean street after event on Saturday Motion by Council Member Godwin, seconded by Council Member Billy Tart to approve the temporary street closures for the Cotton Festival. Motion unanimously approved. TEMPORARY CLOSING OF STREETS BOOGIE DOWN ON BROAD STREET 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 the First Citizens Bank Parking Lot on the comer of Broad Street and Wilson Avenue beginning at 2:00 p.m. and the closing of the adjacent streets from 6:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 11, 2007 for the event, Boogie Down on Broad Street in Downtown Dunn. Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Olds, seconded by Council Member Maness to approve the temporary street closings as requested by the Dunn Area Chamber of Commerce to hold an event, Boogie Down on Broad Street on October 11, 2007. Motion unanimously approved. VOTING DELEGATE 2007 NCLM BUSINESS MEETING The North Carolina League of Municipalities will hold their annual business meeting on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 9:15 a.m. at the Crown Expo Center in Fayetteville, Any municipality that plans to attend must have their governing board authorize a voting delegate and an alternate voting delegate to attend this meeting in order for them to cast a vote. 256 Motion by Council Member Galbreath, seconded by Council Member Joey Tart to designate Mayor Pro Tem Olds as a voting delegate and Manager Autry as an alternate voting delegate representing the City of Dunn, NC at the 2007 North Carolina League of Municipalities annual business meeting on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at the Crown Expo Center in Fayetteville. Motion unanimously approved. AWARD BID TO PURCHASE BACKHOE FOR CEMETERY DEPARTMENT Manager Autry explained that funds were allocated during the F/Y 2007 -2008 budget, for the purchase of a backhoe for the Cemetery Department. Price quotes were received from the following vendors: 6 ; `✓ Carver Equipment Co. $29,120.00 2007 Kubota L39 Tractor/Loader/Backhoe Harnett Tractor Co. $37,279.07 110 Compact 4 -WD Tractor Loader Backhoe Cumberland Tractor Co. $30,700.00 2007 Kubota L39 Tractor/LoaderBackhoe After reviewing the quotes and equipment specifications, it is the recommendation of the Public Works Department to award the bid to Carver Equipment Company, Inc. Motion by Council Member Maness, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Olds to award the bid to Carver Equipment Co., Inc. for the purchase of a 2007 Kubota L39 Tractor/Loader/Backhoe for the bid price of $29,120.00. Motion unanimously approved. Council Member Galbreath asked Manager Autry about the terms of the warranty for this equipment and suggested they may want to purchase an extended warranty. Mr. Autry responded that most warranties are for a period of (1) year but he could check the price of an extended warranty. AWARD BID TO PURCHASE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT FOR C.B. CODRINGTON PARK AND TYLER PARK Manager Autry explained that funds were allocated during the F/Y 2007 -2008 budget, for the purchase of playground equipment for C.B. Codrington Park and Tyler Park. Price quotes were received from the following vendors Cunningham & Associates, Inc. $34,294.43 Gametime Playground Equipment Charlotte, NC Piedmont Parks Inc. $36,134.00 Miracle Recreation Equipment Co. Greensboro, NC Kidstmction Playground Equipment $37,000.00 Austin, TX After reviewing the prices and equipment, it is the recommendation of the Recreation Department to award the bid to Cunningham & Associates (a.k.a. Gametime Playground Equipment). Motion by Council Member Joey Tart, seconded by Council Member Godwin to award the bid to Cunningham & Associates (a.k.a. Gametime Playground Equipment) for the purchase of playground equipment for C.B. Codrington and Tyler Parks. Motion unanimously approved. AWARD BID TO PURCHASE FIRE TRUCK Mayor Snipes explained that funds were allocated during the F/Y 2007 -2008 budget, for the purchase of a truck for the Fire Department; however, an outside consultant has been hired to complete a total needs assessment for the Fire Department. A portion of the needs assessment has been completed, and there are two trains of thought with reference to this piece of equipment. In the meantime, Chief Tew has advised that the City is in the running for another possible sizeable grant from the Department of Homeland Security which would be specific to a pumper /tanker. Mayor Snipes stated that the City has not yet been notified that they have been chosen for this grant; however, in light of the possibility of receiving this grant, the Mayor requested that this item of business be tabled with the understanding that if the City is notified of this grant, the City Council will meet in special session to make this final decision. Motion by Council Member Godwin, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Olds to table this item of business. Motion unanimously approved. 257 AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE LOUIS BERGER GROUP, INC. TO COMPLETE THE CITY OF DUNN PEDESTRIAN PLAN The City of Dunn was awarded and accepted a Pedestrian Planning Grant from the NCDOT. The Grant is an award of $20,000 (reimbursement) from NCDOT matched with $5,000 from the City of Dunn. The money is currently budgeted in the Planning Department. The Planning Department sent out a request for proposal to various planning and engineering firms, which had an interest in working with Dunn on this grant. Four firms replied to the request with proposals on how and when they would accomplish the task of d6veloping a pedestrian plan. The Louis Berger Group, Inc. stood out from the others by proposing multiple public input secessions. Motion by Council Member Maness, seconded by Council Member Godwin to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and enter into a contract with The Louis Berger Group, Inc. to complete the City of Dunn Pedestrian Plan. Motion unanimously approved. Planner Neuschafer explained that the time line to complete this plan is approximately nine (9) months, depending upon the Department of Transportation. This plan will provide the City with a priority list, and the projected cost to implement this pedestrian plan. DECLARATION TO ESTABLISH DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Mayor Snipes explained that City Attorney Pope has been working on the proposed articles of incorporation for this group and the proposed board to establish the bylaws and guidelines. If a special call meeting is held, this is another item of business to discuss. Motion by Council Member Galbreath, seconded by Council Member Billy Tart to table this item of business. Motion unanimously approved. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Motion by Council Member Galbreath, seconded by Council Member Maness to approve the Administrative Reports. Motion unanimously approved. EXECUTIVE REPORTS Council Member Joey Tart thanked Librarian Mike Williams for the great job he is doing and the Friends of the Library who give their time unselfishly to provide funds to the City of Dunn. Council Member Godwin thanked employee Mitch Nobles for his actions in August and for the great service he gives to the City. He reminded everyone of the Friends of the Cancer Benefit scheduled for Saturday, October 6, 2007. Council Member Billy Tart encouraged everyone to come out on October 9 °i to cast their vote in the City election. Council Member Maness announced that the month of October is Clergy Appreciation Month. He encouraged everyone to show appreciation to their pastoral staff. Mayor Pro Tern Olds announced that he will provide pork shoulders for the Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital Relay for Life Fundraiser project on October 18, 2007 and encouraged everyone to participate. Council Member Galbreath thanked all that participated in the recent PAL golf tournament fundraiser. A record was set in the funds that were raised. He encouraged everyone to visit the PAL center to see how this program is affecting the children. He thanked Trinity AME Zion Church for the part they took in a basketball tournament held at the PAL center. Several church youth groups participated in this event and it was a family day of fun. Council Member Galbreath stated that he has received a number of phone calls and concerns about street lighting in various neighborhoods. He asked that this issue be addressed with Progress Energy. There are several area that need lighting. He requested that the City Manager contact Progress Energy to evaluate this situation. There may be trees that need to be cut back in certain areas. Mayor Snipes announced National Fire Prevention Week October 7 —13. He thanked Fire Chief Tew, his staff and volunteers for the job they do. He invited citizens to the upcoming Cotton Festival and Boogie Down of Broad Street events. 7:51 p.m. — Motion by Council Member Joey Tart, seconded by Council Member Godwin to enter Closed session to discuss personnel. Motion unanimously approved. Closed Session Closed Session adjourned at 8:25 p.m 258 r Motion by Council Member Joey Tart, seconded by Council Member Godwin to approve the minutes of the closed session as recorded by City Attorney Pope. Motion unanimously approved. With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Attest: Debra G. West City Clerk p1TY �C oA' 2 '•, SEAS- '., Oqr •....... • •'���P;`