12062007eM
MINUTES
CITY OF DUNN
DUNN, NORTH CAROLINA
The City Council of the City of Dunn held a Regular Meeting on Thursday, December 6, 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, Public Works Director Billy Addison,
Public Utilities Director Dean Gaster, City Planner Steven Neuschafer, Librarian Mike Williams,
Chief Building Inspector Mike Blackmon, Police Chief B.P. Jones, Recreation Director Perry
Hudson, Fire Chief Austin Tew, City Engineer Ed Powell, City Attorney P. Tilghman Pope, City
Clerk Debra West, and Daily Record Reporter Steve Reed.
Also present was Mayor -Elect Oscar N. Harris, Council Members -Elect N. Carnell Robinson and
Chuck Turnage. Also present was Retired Court of Appeals Judge The Honorable K Edward
Greene, Retired Superior Court Judge The Honorable Wiley F. Bowen, NC Supreme Court Justice
Patricia Timmons Goodson, Town of Lillington Mayor Glenn McFadden, and Harnett County Board
of Commissioners Chairman Teddy Byrd.
INVOCATION
Mayor Snipes opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. and asked Council Member Godwin to give the invocation.
Afterwards, the pledge of allegiance was repeated.
AGENDA ADJUSTMENT
Motion by Mayor Pro Tern Olds, seconded by Council Member Maness to adopt the December 6, 2007
meeting agenda with changes, if any, as listed below.
Items Added to the Agenda: "Items for Decision"
• Authorizing Resolution to file an application with the North Carolina Rural Center for a
supplemental grant to assist in the construction of wastewater system improvements
• Adopt Project Budget and Funding Sources for Wastewater Project
Agenda Items Removed:
• none
l PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Mayor Snipes opened the floor for a (30) minute public comment period.
Carol Snipes, 905 W. Pope Street — Spoke about her experience as wife to Mayor Snipes. She spoke of his
commitment along with the Council in taking this community forward. She spoke of his passion in
improving his home town and of the progress and achievements that were made during his term in office.
She stated that Mayor Snipes always spoke with gratitude for his council members and his fellow
supporters. The accomplishments of his term have been a team effort. She thanked everyone for allowing
her family to share the last four years with the wonderful people of Dunn. She extended her best to Mayor -
Elect Harris and the newly elected council.
Hearing no further comments, the public comment period was closed.
CONSENTITEMS
Minutes - Council considered approval of minutes of the November 1, 2007 Council meeting.
Tax Releases/Refunds- Council considered approval of Tax Releases/Refunds #143 - #145. A copy of Tax
Releases /Refunds is filed in the office of the Tax Collector
A motion was made by Council Member Joey Tart and seconded by Council Member Godwin to approve
all consent items. Motion unanimously approved.
1 ' ITEMS FOR DECISION
ACCEPTANCE OF (PAL) NFL
FOOTBALL GRANT
PAL Director Rodney Rowland explained that the Council is being asked to consider accepting a Police
Athletic League (National Football League) NFL Grant to purchase flag football and contact football
equipment to help the PAL football programs to include the Dunn Recreation Football Program. Flag
football will be administered by PAL and contact football will be administered by the Recreation
Department. This is a sustaining grant that will continue past this year.
The City is scheduled to receive $8,500.00 in grant revenues. The grant does not require a cash match.
271
Upon acceptance, this grant will become effective November 2, 2007, and will continue until December 31,
2007.
A motion was made by Council Member Galbreath and seconded by Council Member Billy Tart to accept
the (PAL) NFL Football Grant in the amount of $8,500. Motion unanimously approved.
ACCEPTANCE OF CLEAN WATER
MANAGEMENT TRUST FUND GRANT
Manager Autry explained that during the November 1, 2007 City Council meeting, the Council accepted a
Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF) Grant in a reduced amount of $1,475,000. This funding
amount was approved by the CWMTF Board of Trustees at its October 8, 2007 meeting.
The CWMTF Board of Trustees met again on November 12, 2007 and during that meeting, approved
additional funding for the City of Dunn in an amount of $1,475,000; therefore, the grant has been approved
for a total funding amount of up to $2,950,000.
A draft contract will be forwarded to the City of Dunn, at which time, the City of Dunn will sign and return
it to the CWMTF.
City Engineer Ed Powell stated that over the last (4) years, this Council has worked extremely hard to
acquire a CWMTF Grant. He gave a history of Dunn's problem with infiltration. He explained that Dunn
was viewed upon by DENR officials (Division of Environment and Natural Resources) as a large
contributor to pollution in the State of North Carolina. A tremendous amount of work has been done over
the last (4) years toward improving this situation, the last of which is receiving a grant to construct
equalization facilities at the Black River Wastewater Treatment Plant, which will help to eliminate the
overflows in the City system. During the time that the City was applying for money, the City was also
placed under a Special Order of Consent by the State of North Carolina, which meant that the State would
give the City some forgiveness for the overflows as long as the City made arrangements to do the
equalization facilities and other improvements within the system. This prevented the City from receiving
fines and civil penalties as long as they committed to the improvements.
Mr. Powell explained that there were other things the City must do. This past summer, the Rural Center of
North Carolina, developed a matching grant program; whereas, they have an additional $500,000 grant
which the City is eligible for. He asked the Council to pass a resolution authorizing the application for this
additional $500,000 in funding to assist other items, such as pump station improvements near Food Lion
and Machine and Welding, some replacement of deteriorating sewer lines, and improvements to the
wastewater treatment plant.
Mr. Powell stated that since the City's agreement with the State says that the City will do these
improvements whether or not a grant is received, the City has filed a study with the state construction grant
and loan section where monies are available to the City. Long term loans are available at a very low
interest rate (2.1 %). The remainder of the money that the City needs to make all of these improvements
would be in the form of a loan from the state construction grant and loan section of DENR.
Mr. Powell asked that the council pass a resolution to make application for an additional $500,000 grant
from the Rural Center and to adopt a project budget and funding source to complete the rest of the work
that DENR has said that the City must do to avoid penalties and to protect the waters of the State of North
Carolina.
Mayor Snipes stated that the Council will entertain these items one at a time.
A motion was made by Council Member Godwin and seconded by Council Member Billy Tart to accept
the CWMTF Grant in the amount of $1,475,000 (total funding of up to $2,950,000) and authorize the
appropriate City Official to execute contracts upon receipt. Motion unanimously approved.
ADOPT AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION TO FILE
AN APPLICATION WITH THE NORTH CAROLINA
RURAL CENTER FOR A SUPPPLEMENTAL GRANT
TO ASSIST IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF WASTEWATER
SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
Mayor Snipes entertained a motion to adopt the authorizing resolution to file the application for an
additional $500,000 supplemental grant with the North Carolina Rural Center. `,i
272
Motion by Mayor Pro Tom Olds, seconded by Council Member Galbreath to adopt an Authorizing
Resolution to file an application with the North Carolina Rural Center for a Supplemental Grant to Assist in
the Construction of Wastewater System Improvements. Motion unanimously approved. A copy of
Authorizing Resolution (R2007 -21) to file an application with the North Carolina Rural Center for a
Supplemental Grant is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #1.
ADOPT PROJECT BUDGET AND
FUNDING SOURCES FOR WASTEWATER
PROJECT
Motion by Council Member Joey Tart, seconded by Council Member Maness to adopt the project budget
and funding sources for wastewater project. Motion unanimously approved. A copy ofthe Project
Budget and Funding Sourcesfor Wastewater Project is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #2.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL REMARKS
Council Member Maness offered his sincere appreciation to Mayor Pro Tem Olds, Council Member
Godwin and Mayor Snipes. He stated that it was a privilege and honor to serve with all of them; he
appreciates the sacrifice that each one along with their families have made over the last (4) years. He stated
that he would miss each of them.
Mayor Pro Tem Olds stated that it was a pleasure and honor to serve Dunn over the last (6) years. He
thanked the Lord for putting him in this position and the citizens of Dunn for allowing him to serve. He is
a wiser person by his experience in serving in this elected office. He recognized his wife in the audience
and he thanked her for her words of encouragement. He is proud of the accomplishments of this council.
He wished the best to the in- coming council.
Council Member Galbreath stated that it has been a pleasure working with Mayor Snipes, Mayor Pro -Tem
Olds and Council Member Godwin. He thanked them for their service and friendship.
Council Member Joey Tart thanked Mayor Snipes for setting this council on the right path and for his
leadership. He expressed his appreciation to Mr. Olds and Mr. Godwin and stated that he will miss them.
Council Member Godwin commented on how fast the last (4) years have passed. He stated that he came
into office with (3) children and now he has (4). He spoke of his late father. He stated that he will miss
everyone. This council demonstrated unity during their term of office and exercised great diplomacy and
communication. He encouraged the in- coming council to exercise good communication. He spoke of the
friendship that exists with this council. He added that Mayor Snipes has been an excellent leader. He spoke
of the great job that Mayor -elect Harris and Council Members -elect Robinson and Turnage will do. He
thanked the citizens of Dunn, his wife, Lynn, children, and his mother for their support.
Council Member Billy Tart stated that he thoroughly enjoyed working with Mayor Snipes, Mayor Pro Tem
Olds and Council Member Godwin. He thanked the citizens of Dunn, his wife, Vickie and children, Ashley
and Amanda for their support.
City Attorney Pope stated that it has been an honor and privilege to serve with the entire council. This
council has charted a very progressive and positive course for the City over the last (4) years. He stated
that he will miss Mayor Snipes, Mayor Pro Tem Olds and Council Member Godwin. It has been a pleasure
working with them as well as the entire council. The professionalism and stability that has been returned to
this council has made his job a lot easier. He stated that he hears often the appreciation expressed by the
citizens of Dunn and how proud they are of this council; whether or not they agree with every policy
decision. He thanked the Council for allowing him to be a part of their team. He looks forward to working
with the in- coming council as well to continue the many good jobs that have been started.
Manager Autry expressed his appreciation to Mayor Snipes and the Council for giving him the opportunity
to serve as City Manager. On behalf of the City employees, he thanked the council.
Mayor Snipes thanked Manager Autry for his leadership over the past two years. He shared the following
statistics for this council:
• Fund Balance has increased $400,000 since this council took office.
• This council, Manager and Department Heads have sought and received 6.2 million dollars in
grant money over the last (4) years.
�i
He thanked the City employees for their dedication. This council has brought unity and communication as
well as team work. At the end of the day, he stated that this council has done what they thought was best
for Dunn.
He thanked City Attorney Pope and Manager Autry. He presented City Clerk Debra West and the Council
with gifts. He thanked his office staff for giving him the opportunity to serve as Mayor and he thanked his
wife Carol and his children for their support.
Mayor Snipes recessed the meeting at 7:40 p.m.
273
ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
Mayor Snipes reconvened the meeting at 7:45 p.m. and asked Reverend Dr. Charles O. Kelly,
Superintendent of NC District Council Assemblies of God to give the invocation.
ADMINISTERING THE OATH OF OFFICE
Mayor Snipes called the following Council Members, Council Members -Elect and Mayor -Elect
individually, along with their families to the podium to take their oath of office:
Council Member Eli Frank "Buddy" Maness, III — Oath administered by Retired Superior Court Judge, The �1
Honorable Wiley F. Bowen. A copy of this oath is incorporated into these minutes as attachment #3.
Council Member N. Carrell Robinson — Oath administered by NC Supreme Court Justice Patricia
Timmons Goodson. A copy of this oath is incorporated into these minutes as attachment #4.
Council Member Bryan S. Galbreath — Oath administered by Town of Lillington Mayor Glenn McFadden.
A copy of this oath is incorporated into these minutes as attachment #5.
Council Member Billy N. Tart — Oath administered by Retired Superior Court Judge, The Honorable Wiley
F. Bowen. A copy of this oath is incorporated into these minutes as attachment #6.
Council Member Charles W. "Chuck" Turnage — Oath administered by Harnett County Board of
Commissioners Chairman Teddy Byrd. A copy of this oath is incorporated into these minutes as
attachment V.
Council Member Joseph "Joey" Tart — Oath administered by Retired Superior Court Judge, The Honorable
Wiley F. Bowen. A copy of this oath is incorporated into these minutes as attachment #8.
Mayor Oscar N. Harris — Oath administered by Retired Court of Appeals Judge, The Honorable K. Edward
Greene. A copy of this oath is incorporated into these minutes as attachment #9.
Each Council Member took their respective seat after taking their oath of office and Mayor Harris
presided.
Mayor Harris called the meeting to order at 8:03 pan.
Mayor Harris asked Manager Autry, City Attorney Pope and City Clerk Debra West to take their seats.
PRESENTATIONS BY THE MAYOR
Mayor Harris presented outgoing Mayor J. Dal Snipes, Mayor Pro -Tem Donnie Olds and Council Member
Billy Ray Godwin, Jr. plaques of appreciation for their dedication and service to the citizens of Dunn
during their term of office.
He thanked and recognized the previous council for their aggressiveness in obtaining grant awards over the
last (4) years.
Mayor Harris gave a short biography about each council member, the City Manager, City Attorney and
City Clerk.
ITEMS FOR DECISION
ELECTION OF MAYOR PRO -TEM
i
Mayor Harris reminded the Council that a Councilman serving as Mayor Pro-Tern shall be entitled to vote
on all matters and shall be considered a councilman for all purposes including the determination of whether
a quorum is present. During the absence of the Mayor, the council may confer upon the Mayor Pro -Tem
any of the powers and duties of the Mayor. For any reason that the Mayor does not complete his term and
his position is considered vacant, the Mayor Pro -Tem does not automatically become the Mayor.
According to the City Charter, in the event of a vacancy in the office of Mayor and Councilman, the
Council shall by majority vote, appoint some qualified person to fill the same for the remainder of the
unexpired term.
Mayor Harris stated that each council member is qualified and very capable of being the Mayor Pro -Tem.
Based upon Council Member Robinson's resume, Mayor Harris recommended into nomination N. Carnell
Robinson.
Hearing no other nominations, a motion was made by Council Member Galbreath and seconded by Council
Member Billy Tart to elect N. Carnell Robinson as Mayor Pro -Tem. Motion unanimously approved.
274
AUTHORIZING BANK RESOLUTION
Motion by Council Member Joey Tart, seconded by Council Member Maness to adopt a Resolution
Granting Authorization to Mayor Harris, Manager Autry, Finance Director Renee' Daughtry and City
Accountant Debbie Williams to execute all evidences of debt, draw checks, drafts, and wire transfers upon
accounts of the City of Dunn. Motion unanimously approved. A copy ofthis Authorizing Bank
Resolution (R2007 -22) is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #10.
ADOPT CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATES FOR 2008
The following council meeting dates were proposed for the year 2008:
January 3, 2008
February 7, 2008
March 6, 2008
April 3, 2008
May 1, 2008
June 5, 2008
July 10, 2008
August 7, 2008
September 4, 2008
October 2, 2008
November 6, 2008
December 4, 2008
Motion by Council Member Maness, seconded by Council Member Billy Tart to adopt the City Council
meeting dates as proposed for 2008. Motion unanimously approved.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Mayor 11 arris asked the council if they had any questions or concerns about the Administrative reports.
Hearing none, Motion by Council Member Galbreath, seconded by Council Member Joey Tart to approve
the reports as presented. Motion unanimously approved.
EXECUTIVE REPORTS
No reports from Manager Autry or City Attorney Pope.
COMMENTS -MAYOR HARRIS AND COUNCIL
Mayor Harris thanked Judge Green, Judge Bowen, Justice Goodson, Mr. Teddy Byrd, Mayor Glenn
McFadden, and Dr. Charles Kelly for taking a part in tonight's meeting.
Mayor Harris yielded to comments from the newly elected Council.
Council Member Maness thanked everyone for joining in this special occasion. He thanked the voters of
Ward 1 for their support in allowing him to serve them for another (4) years. He thanked his wife, Shelia,
his children Eli, David and Jacob, his parents Frank and Judy Maness, his father and mother -in -law, Oscar
and Jean Harris, his church family and the many volunteers that worked so hard in his campaign. He looks
forward to continuing to serve the residents of Ward 1 and all citizens of Dunn. He is excited about
working with Mayor Harris and the rest of the City Council as they continue to build on the progress of the
last (4) years. He will work hard to serve with honor, integrity, and honesty and to maintain the spirit of
unity on this council. He asked for the prayers of everyone.
Mayor Pro -Tern Robinson thanked everyone far joining in this occasion. He thanked his family for being
with him tonight. He appreciates the support he received, not only from the citizens of District 2 during the
last election, but from the citizens through -out Dunn. He stated that Dunn is his home -town, he is Dunn -
proud and would like for everyone who lives hereto fedl'the same way. He thanked Mayor Harris for
recommending him as Mayor Pro -tem. They,have a for g�historycand a good working relationship. He
looks forward to working with every member of this co'"dil.. I$e is•bumbled by the confidence of his
fellow council members to elect him Mayor Pro -temandbe)promisefl to work for unity and for the good of
all of the citizens of Dunn.
`i
Council Member Galbreath thanked God for the opportunity'to serve-another (4) years. He thanked his
family, his mother, brother, aunt, uncle, and his dampaign manager. He thanked the citizens of Ward 3 for
giving him another opportunity to serve them. He pledged to all citizens, to do the very best possible job.
He assured the citizens that every issue that comes before him this council will be thoroughly thought
through before a final decision is made. He thanked his church family, his co- workers and friends for their
support. He thanked Manager Autry, Attorney Pope, City Clerk Debra West and all the department heads
for their support. He looks forward to another great (4) years.
Council Member Billy Tart thanked all of the supporters present in the audience. He looks forward to
serving another (4) years. He thanked the citizens of Ward 4 and the entire City of Dunn for the
275
opportunity to serve them. He thanked his wife, children and parents for their support. He looks forward
to serving with the newly elected members as well as the returning members of this council.
Council Member Tumage thanked God for being in a free country. He thanked his wife and family for
their support of him. He looks forward to working with this council. He looks forward to serving the
citizens of Dunn. He thanked Teddy Byrd, Chairman of the Harnett County Board of Commissioners, for
administering his oath. He stated that he and Mr. Byrd feel that what is good for Dunn is good for Harnett
County, particularly the pending base realignment/closures. He looks forward to the challenge of working
on this council. He thanked former Mayor Snipes, Mayor Pro -tem Olds and Council Member Godwin for
laying the ground -work for the future of Dunn. He looks forward to serving with this council, city
professionals and the citizens of Dunn. \
r
Council Member Joey Tart thanked the Lord for the opportunity to serve Dunn. He mentioned that his
father served on the Council for (18) years. He thanked his wife, children and family for their support. He
thanked former Mayor Snipes and the prior council in raising the expectations for Dunn. He looks forward
to the next (4) years and expects great things out of the leadership of this council. It is an honor to serve
with this council.
City Attorney Pope thanked Mayor Harris for calling him back as City Attorney. He looks forward to
working with the council. He stated that they may call upon him anytime. He wished the best for each
member and he knows the next (4) years will be good.
Mayor Harris recognized Manager Autry's wife, Jeanne in the audience and asked her to stand. Applause
from the audience.
Manager Autry expressed appreciation to serve this council. He looks forward to working with Mayor
Harris and this council over the next (4) years. There is much work for the City to accomplish. It is an
exciting time for the City of Dunn.
Mayor Harris recognized and thanked his wife, Jean for her support. He recognized former Mayor Pro-
Tern Dallas Dafford and former Mayor Abe Elmore in the audience and thanked them for coming. He
asked for the support and prayers of everyone. He has worked with many of the council members on other
community service projects. He knows that this council has the best interest of Dunn at heart. They are
compassionate, fair minded, will listen to the citizens and will do what is best for the City. They will
protect their constituent's interests as much as possible and make decisions that are in the best interest of
the City as a whole. While the prior administration did an excellent job running the City over the past (4)
years, accomplished much and received several significant grants, this council still faces a number of issues /—
which will challenge them in the future.
Mayor Harris thanked the faithful employees of the City of Dunn, working behind the scenes and most are
never seen filling potholes, processing wastewater, disposing of clippings /limbs, beautifying the City,
sweeping the streets, providing the water, looking after the cemeteries, directing our recreation programs,
fighting fires, and policing streets. He stated that this council will work to make the employee's jobs better
and safer. He thanked the city employees for their dedication and service.
Mayor Harris recognized the various departments and department heads individually in the audience.
Applause from the audience.
In addressing former Mayor Snipes, Mayor Harris stated that he knows this council has big shoes to fill and
they will commit to the citizens of Dunn to do their very best as they continue to move forward.
INFORMATION
Mayor Harris invited everyone to a reception immediately following the Council meeting to honor the
council at Roy's Family Restaurant across the street. He thanked everyone for attending the meeting
tonight and making this first Council meeting very special.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m.
, ,��rurrr'r r ,,
.� GITY
rORPp 2 Oscar N. Harris '
Mayor
t O ` L
h4/14Aa BI 1JJe";6 ''�' y CfIROL�� . `•
Debra G. West
City Clerk