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110420041120 MINUTES CITY OF DUNN DUNN, NORTH CAROLINA The City Council of the City of Dunn held a Regular Meeting on Thursday, November 4, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. in the Dunn Municipal Building. Present was Mayor J. Dal Snipes, Mayor Pro -Tern Donnie Olds, Council Members Buddy Maness, Billy Tart, Billy R. Godwin, Jr., and Joey Tart. Also present was City Manager Michael Uskiewicz, Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Ronnie Autry, Human Resources /Safety Officer Moses Gallion, Building Inspector Mike Blackmon, City Planner Julie Reid, Finance Director Renee' Daughtry, City Accountant Debbie Williams, Accounting Technician Donald Addison, Utility Billing Specialist Patty Rowland, Customer Service Representative Pam Snead, Tax Collector Shannon McIntyre, Recreation Director Perry Hudson, Police Chief Tim Benware, Sgt. Rodney Rowland, )lyre Chief Austin Tew, City Engineer Ed Powell, City Attorney P. Tilghman Pope, City Clerk Debra West, and Daily Record Reporter Lisa Farmer. Council Member Bryan Galbreath was absent, sick INVOCATION Mayor Snipes opened the meeting at 7:08 p.m. and asked Mayor Pro -tent Olds to give the invocation. Afterwards, the pledge of allegiance was repeated. PRESENTATION Mayor Snipes presented a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence Award to the Finance Department for its comprehensive annual financial report, for the year anded June 30, 2003. Mayor Snipes closed the regular meeting and opened public hearings at 7:13 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING Mayor Snipes stated that the public has been notified that oral and written comments will be heard and received concerning the demolition of the dwelling owned by George F. Blalock and located at 505 East Vance Street. He added that the public hearing was duly advertised on October 18, 2004 and October 25, 2004. Mayor Snipes asked if there was anyone present to speak for or against the demolition of this structure. Mary Lemuel Blalock, daughter of George F. Blalock stepped forward and stated that several months ago, workers went in to tear out the floors for repair. During that time, the City condemned the house. She added that in the meantime, Mr. Barnhill contacted her father about buying the house. They hired Andy Joyner to survey the property. When the papers were brought to the City, they found that due to the size of the lot, they could not sell one house but all three (3) houses (503, 505 and 509 E. Vance) would have to be sold together as one parcel. Ms. Blalock further explained that while Mr. Barnhill was considering to buy all three (3) houses, her father had congestive heart failure and was in the hospital. She added that Building Inspector Mike Blackmon gave them an extension to repair the house. She further stated that they have just found out that Mr. Barnhill does not want to buy all three (3) houses. Ms. Blalock stated that from the beginning, her fatker was going to repair the structure. When she contacted Mr. Blackmon last week to obtain a building permit to start repairing the house, he advised her that the time had run out and now she would have to appear before the City Council. Ms. Blalock stated that she is prepared to get a building permit on Monday morning and within thirty (30) to sixty (60) days, have the house brought up to code. She asked that the Council consider giving her an opportunity to repair this house. Mayor Snipes asked if there was anyone else present to speak for or against demolishing this structure. Hearing none, motion by Council Member Joey Tart, seconded by Mayor Pro -tern Olds to close public hearings and reconvene the regular council meeting at 7:16 p.m. Motion unanimously approved. CONSENT ITEMS Mayor Snipes asked if there were any consent items that Council wished to pull for further discussion. Hearing none, the following items were considered by Council: Minutes- Council considered approval of minutes of the October 7, 2004 meeting. Tax Releases/Refunds- Council considered approval of Tax Releases/Refunds #24. Tax Releases/Refunds are filed in the office of the Tax Collector. Motion by Council Member Joey Tart, seconded by Council Member Buddy Maness to approve above consent items. Motion unanimously approved. 1121 ITEMS FOR DECISION DEMOLITION OF HOUSE 505 EAST VANCE STREET Mayor Snipes opened the floor for a motion and/or discussion with reference to demolishing the structure located at 505 E. Vance Street. The Council asked Building Inspector Mike Blackmon if he was opposed to granting additional time for the property owner to make the necessary repairs to bring this structure up to code. Mr. Blackmon responded that he had no objection in giving more time to the owner, adding that he did his part, the time ran out, and now it is up to the Council to grant additional time to the property owner. The Council asked Mr. Blackmon if the necessary repairs can be done in sixty (60) days and what type of repairs will need to be made. Mr. Blackmon responded that a lot of work will need to be done but anything is possible. He informed the Council of the following existing conditions as well as the necessary repairs that will need to be made: • Exterior decay • Siding decayed in the rear of the house • Interior plumbing is visible from the outside of the house • Flooring is completely gone in front room — some floor joists remaining • Replace all windows — existing windows are deteriorated/inoperable • Additional electrical work • Additional plumbing work • Heating source provided for the house • Extensive yard clean-up — remains of an old storage building piled up in rear yard Council Member Joey Tart asked Mr. Blackmon if Ms. Blalock was aware of what will be required to bring this structure up to code. Mr. Blackmon responded that she is. Ms. Blalock explained the problem she has with individuals tearing up her father's houses before they are even repaired. She spoke of occasions when her maintenance man has put new windows and doors in a house, and before anyone can move in, the windows are busted and the doors are broken. She further stated that it is disheartening to fix a house to be acceptable to the City, yet continually spending money because other people demolish the house before tenants can even move into it. Ms. Blalock stated that she wished there was some way to prevent people from going into these vacant houses and destroying them. She added that it is an extra hardship and as far as she is concerned, she wished her father would sell every one of his houses. It is up to her to make the repairs, and it is a very stressful situation. She stated that at this particular time, her father wants to repair the house. Mayor Pro -tern Olds asked what would the Council do, if a sixty (60) day extension was granted and at the end of the (60) day period, the property owner was half -way through with repairing this house. City Attorney Pope responded that if the Council is inclined to allow the property owner additional time to work on these repairs, he would suggest that the Council table this item tonight and have the Building Inspector report back to the Council next month. If the Council is unsatisfied with the progress that is being made at any time, they may vote to take it back off the table and proceed with condemning the property. Motion by Mayor Pro -tent Olds, seconded by Council Member Godwin to table the demolition of the structure at 505 E. Vance Street, give the property owner time to make the necessary repairs and that the Building Inspector report back at the next Council meeting to give a report of the progress being made. Mayor Snipes asked if there was further discussion. Council Member Maness asked that if they approach this issue from this standpoint without giving a specific time limit, then it may be a disadvantage to the homeowner. If they invest in getting the repairs done and the job carries on for six months as opposed to two, then where does that leave the Council? Are they going to give an indefinite amount of time for these repairs to be made or are they going to expect them to be done in a specified time? In addressing the Mayor, Mayor Pro -tern Olds stated that a motion to table an item of business cannot be debated and cannot be discussed. Mr. Olds stated that he agreed with Council Member Maness' question but there is a motion to table. Mayor Snipes stated that Mr. Olds was correct. He then asked for the vote to table this issue. 1122 Motion to table carried 4 -1. Ayes Noes Olds Maness Joey Tart Billy Tart Billy R. Godwin, Jr. FIRST CITIZENS PARKING LOT LEASE First Citizens Bank & Trust Co. proposes to lease the parking lot at 200 E. Broad Street and the parking lot at Cumberland and Wilson Street to the City of Dunn to be used as public parking lots. The term of the lease will begin November 15, 2004 and continue until November 15, 2005. The sum of the lease is $1.00 per year. Mayor Snipes made the Council aware that this lease agreement includes additional parking spaces at Cumberland and Wilson Street. Motion by Council Member Godwin, seconded by Council Member Billy Tart to approve the parking lot lease between First Citizens Bank & Trust Co. and the City of Dunn. Motion unanimously approved. A copy of the parking lot lease between First Citizens Bask & Trust Co. and the City of Dunn is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #1. INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR BUILDING INSPECTION SERVICES Manager Uskiewicz stated that this is an Interlocal Agreement for Building Inspection services between the City of Dunn and the Town of Erwin to enable the City of Dunn to provide Building Inspection Services to the Town of Erwin. He added that with the addition of a support staff for Building Inspector Mike Blackmon and Code Enforcement Officer Steven King. this service can be accomplished. This will allow both inspections and code enforcement to be out in the field more. He further stated that this agreement is modeled after a similar agreement between the Town of Angier and the Town of Holly Springs. City Attorney Pope has reviewed the agreement. Council Member Godwin stated that the agreement mentioned the need for additional clerical support and he asked Mr. Uskiewicz if this person would be hired by the City of Dunn with the fees paid by the Town of Erwin. Mr. Uskiewiez responded yes. The clerical support will be employed by the City of Dunn. Council Member Godwin asked Mr. Uskiewicz if the fees will be sufficient to cover the added salary, health insurance and other benefits. Mr. Uskiewicz responded yes. Mayor Snipes stated that with the clerical support handling a lot of the paperwork, it will allow more time for the Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer to be out in the field. Mr. Uskiewicz stated that the City of Dunn Inspections Department has been helping the Town of Erwin for the last two weeks. Manager Uskiewicz made the Council aware that this agreement is also before the Erwin Town Council for consideration tonight. The duration of this agreement is three (3) years and upon 60 days written notice of either party, this contract may be rescinded without cause. This contract is entered into pursuant to N.C.G.S. §160A -460, et. seq. and shall be renewed annually to determine costs and services level, unless either parry gives sixty (60) days advance notice in writing to terminate the agreement. Council Member Maness stated that if the City of Dunn fees increase as far as the cost of the clerical employee, the City Manager has informed him that the City of Dunn will increase the rates proportionately. At no time will it be a situation where it will cost the City of Dunn anything to provide this additional staff person. Motion by Council Member Joey Tart, seconded by Mayor Pro -tern Olds to approve the Interlocal Agreement for Building Inspection Services between the City of Dunn and the Town of Erwin to enable the City of Dunn to provide Building Inspection Services b the Town of Erwin. Motion unanimously approved. A copy of the Interlocal Agreement for Budding Inspection Services between the City ofDunn and the Town of Erwin is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #2. Clerk's Note: The Town of Erwin did not approve the contract and it is therefore not being executed by the City of Dunn, unless or until adopted and approved by the Town of Erwin. 1123 SNIPES INSURANCE LIABILITY COVERAGE Mayor Snipes deferred to Mayor Pro -Tern Olds. NOTE: Mayor Pro -Tem Olds presided over the Council during the discussion and vote of this agenda item. Mayor Pro -Tem Olds reminded the Council that a yew months ago, they approved a resolution authorizing the City of Dunn to enter into an insurance contract for Worker's Compensation coverage issued through Snipes Insurance Services, Inc. The Mayor is the principal owner of Snipes Insurance. Mr. Olds stated that approval of this contract must meet the requirements of N.C.G. S. § 14 -234, and the attached resolution meets that standard. He entertained a motion to accept this resolution Motion by Council Member Maness, seconded by Council Member Billy Tart to adopt the Resolution Approving Insurance Renewal Through Snipes Insurance Services, Inc. Motion unanimously approved. A copy of the Resolution (82004 -29) authorizing t1w City of Dunn to renew all other insurance coverages through Snipes Insurance Services, Inc. is incorporated inho these minutes as Attachment #3. AWARD OF BID LEAF VACUUM TRUCK Bids were received and opened on Wednesday, November 3; 2004 for a leaf vacuum truck for the Public Works Department. Bids received are as follows: s r_, . • . Vendor Bid Amount Delivery Time Virginia Truck Center $100,700 8 — 10 weeks Amick Equipment $105,290 60 — 90 days It is recommended by Public Works Director Ronnie Autry to award the bid to Virginia Truck Center in the amount of $100.700. Motion by Mayor Pro -tern Olds, seconded by Coun :il Member Joey Tart to award the bid for the purchase of a vacuum leaf track to Virginia Truck Center. Motion unanimously approved. A copy of the bids submitted for the purchase ofa leafvacuum truck is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #4. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Motion by Council Member Billy Tart, seconded by Council Member Godwin to approve the Administrative Reports. Motion unanimously approved. EXECUTIVE REPORTS Mayor Pro -tern Olds reported on the 2004 North Carolina League of Municipalities Annual Meeting attended by himself, Mayor Snipes and Manager Uskiewicz on October 24 — 26, 2004. He encouraged the other Council members to attend future meetings. Mayor Snipes announced that a study of the City's existing and future land development patterns will be held on Tuesday, November 9, 2004 from 6:30 — 8:00 p.m. at the Dunn Community Building. The City is working on a land use plan. Community input from the citizens is requested during this visioning session. He encouraged everyone to participate in this meeting on Tuesday. Mayor Snipes gave an update of events that took place during the Swedish delegation visit. It was a great social and cultural exchange. One individual is working on bringing a product that he has exclusive rights to in Europe over to the United States market. Council Member Godwin encouraged everyone to attend the 6"' Annual Touchstone Energy Cotton Festival on November 5 and 6' in downtown Dunn. Manager Uskiewicz reported that the Amendment One vote did pass on November 2, 2004. He called the North Carolina League of Municipalities and was informed that it does not become law until after the vote has been certified. This should occur in a couple of weeks. Mr. Uskiewicz asked for the procedural steps in getting it enacted. He was advised that the Local Government Commission (LGC) will be establishing the guidelines and regulations. He made them aware frat the City of Dunn has a couple of projects they would like to talk with them about. i 1124 i INFORMATION With no further business to discuss, the following burial rights were executed: 1. Gladys Bryant and heirs, Block 9, Lot 47, Space 1, Resthaven Cemetery. 2. Alene Williams and heirs, Block 13, Lot 57, Space 6, Resthaven Cemetery. 3. Luester Worney and heirs, Block 13, Lot 57, Space 7, Resthaven Cemetery. 4. Mollie Myles and heirs, Block 15, Lot 46, Spaces 1- 2 -3 -4, Resthaven Cemetery. 5. Centis Molloy Smith and heirs, Block 15, Lot 74, Spaces 1- 2 -3 -4, Resthaven Cemetery. 6. Betsy M. Morales and heirs, Block BB, Lot 46, Space 7, Memorial Cemetery. With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m. Attest: Q dp1a- B. Ct1.eoj� Debra G. West City Clerk O%TY of i =� y �. sEA4 ,,�• Ea 1�