12012009NM
MINUTES
CITY OF DUNK
DUNN, NORTH CAROLINA
The City Council of the City of Dunn held a Special Call Meeting on Tuesday, December 1, 2009, at
3:00 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, City Planner Steven Neuschafer,
Public Utilities Director Dean Gaster, City Attorney P. Tilghman Pope, City Clerk Debra West and
Daily Record Reporter Reece Murphy.
INVOCATION
Mayor Harris opened the meeting at 3:00 p.m. and gave the invocation. Afterwards the Pledge of
Allegiance was repeated.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND /OR DECISION
Traffic Pattern for New
Development, Walgreens
Manager Autry explained that during a public hearing on July 8, 2008, concerns were voiced from the
Divine Street residents about the traffic pattern for the new Walgreens. At the conclusion of this meeting,
Planning Director Steven Neuschafer was directed to explore options with regard to traffic.
Mayor Harris stated that the Council is committed to protecting the integrity of the neighborhood affected
by this development.
The Council is being asked to consider the obvious traffic related issues with future development along the
W. Cumberland Street corridor and identify the short term and long term solutions for those issues.
The public hearing associated with the rezoning and proposed Walgreens development brought to the
forefront several concerns of the residents living near the property. Vehicle speed and volume were the
primary concerns voiced in the hearing.
A professional traffic study will presumably range in cost between five and ten thousand dollars, while
costs for improvements to the streets and utilities, depending upon which improvements are deemed
necessary, could be quite substantial. There may be opportunities for assessments to help offset costs
incurred for improvements.
Mr. Neuschafer gave a power -point presentation, maps of this area and diagrams of the short and long term
options.
Short Term Options:
➢ Do nothing (gather data to see if traffic patterns change as a result of the development)
➢ Place a dirt berm, guardrail, or concrete dividers across Eleanor Avenue
➢ Physically narrow the road (proven method to gain a slower.calmer traffic pattern)
➢ Place stop signs at each intersection (3 -way or 4 -way stop signs to make it uninviting for cut -
through traffic)
➢ Increase traffic patrols in the area.
Long Tenn Options:
➢ Option 1 — Leave Eleanor Avenue open to exiting traffic — right turn in and right turn out — build a
concrete median to only allow vehicles to turn right out of Eleanor onto Cumberland and right off
of Cumberland into Walgreens (DOT approval required to put pork chop on Cumberland at
Eleanor)
➢ Option 2 — Build a cul -de -sac to terminate Eleanor Avenue — full access between commercial
properties - Cumberland Street — right turn in and right turn out
Much discussion was held about possible traffic flow options. It was discussed that a "no right on red" be
implemented at the traffic light (at the old Perry Brothers) from Erwin Road onto Cumberland; however,
this may back -up traffic on Erwin Road blocking the Walgreens Erwin Road entrance. It was discussed to
use Option 1 but without the pork chop in Cumberland. It was discussed to wait and see what the traffic
count will be once Walgreens is built to determine the traffic pattern. It was suggested to obtain feed -back
from the police department.
With Council consensus, Mayor Harris directed Mr. Neuschafer to approach Walgreens to see if they
would be willing to participate in the traffic impact analysis or to participate in the cost of the long term
Option 1 modified which removes a portion of the concrete median to allow access to commercial
properties but would restrict traffic into the neighborhood and would allow full movement on Cumberland.
Possible Uses for the City of Dunn
Property Previously used by Hope
Ministries Child Care
The Council will need to consider if the City will lease or use the space made available with the departure
of Hope Ministries.
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The Police Athletic League (PAL) has submitted a proposal to utilize the space along with several other
organizations.
Issues that need to be addressed include the old boiler heating system, the electrical meter and who will
utilize the cafeteria. The Council will need to decide if these costs would be incurred by the City or if
leased, by the tenant.
Manager Autry stated that it could cost approximately $20,000+ to isolate the electrical meter and
$50,000+ to install heat and air in the building. These costs do not include any other upgrades to the
building.
Mayor Harris pointed out that the City of Dunn's budget is strained with the current economic condition of
the country and the decline of tax dollars. With Council consensus, Mayor Harris directed Manager Autry
to solicit for proposals for this 9,000 square foot building to find out if there is an interest in this building
and if an interest is expressed, the costs for electrical, heat and air upgrades would be paid by the proposed
tenant.
Council Member Galbreath mentioned the two -story old Harnett High School building that was discussed
during the last retreat and suggested soliciting proposals for it as well. Mayor Harris responded there are
plans to file an application with the NC Housing Finance Agency to pursue 24 senior apartments in the old
school portion of the building.
Mayor Pro Tern Robinson asked Mr. Autry to share with the Council, a copy of an executive summary he
received from Faith Institute, an entrepreneur school that will be opening somewhere in North Carolina and
has expressed an interest in the 9,000 square foot building.
Council Member Joey Tart left the meeting at 4:14 p.m.
Recycling
City Manager Autry stated that in an attempt to handle the increase at the drop -off site, the two 8 yard
containers were replaced by a 20 yard roll -off in hopes that twice a month pickup would be sufficient;
however, that has not been the case. With the increase in participation, the roll -off container is being
picked up each week. Following are the costs for the Citys' recycling operation at this time:
Original cost for commingled recyclables: $505.00 per mth. w/2 pick -ups
Cost now for roll -off container: $989.00 per mth. w/4 pick -ups
Cost for corrugated cardboard: $95.00 per mth. w/1 pick -up
Based on projections, the garbage contract line item in the budget will be increased by approximately
$5,000+ in FY 09 -10 depending upon the volume that comes in.
The cost for curbside recycling would probably range from $3.00 - $3.50 per household per month.
Based on 3544 households, cost would be $10,632.00 - $12,404 per month
$127,584.00 - $148,848 per year
Manager Autry stated that the present drop -off site is unsightly but to man this sight could cost upwards of
$50,000 plus. The other option would be curbside recycling. Twice a month pick -up for recycling quote
given by Republic Waste is $2.50 per month per resident if the City of Dunn will purchase the carts at
approximately $180,000.00. He and Planning D Neuschafer will explore grant opportunities to
purchase carts. A cost of $3.50 per household per month was quoted if Republic supplies the carts. Mr.
Autry explained that even if the City purchased carts, each household would be assessed $3.50 per month
to recoup the cost of the carts.
With Council consensus, Mayor Harris directed Manager Autry to pursue the grant application for
recycling carts.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:28 p.m.
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Debra G. West
City Clerk
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