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12132016MINUTES 279 CITY OF DUNN DUNN, NORTH CAROLINA The City Council of the City of Dunn held a Regular Meeting on Thursday, December 13, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. in the Dunn Municipal Building. Present was Mayor Oscar N. Harris, Mayor Pro Tem Billy Tart, Council Members Buddy Maness, Gwen McNeill, Frank McLean, 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 Dean Gaster, Chief Building Inspector Steven King, Planning Director Samantha Wullenwaber, Chief Building Inspector Steven King, Police Chief Bill Halliburton, Recreation Director Brian McNeill, Human Resources Director Anne Thompson, Librarian Mike Williams, Attorney P. Tilghman Pope, City Clerk Jennifer Fortin, Deputy City Clerk Melissa Dudley and Daily Record Report Melody Brown -Peyton Mayor Harris introduced the new Police Chief, William Halliburton. INVOCATION Mayor Harris opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. and asked Reverend Dennis Manuel, Police Chaplain and Apostle of East Granville Street Church to give the invocation. Afterwards, the Pledge of Allegiance was repeated. AGENDA ADJUSTMENT AND APPROVAL Motion by Council Member Maness and seconded by Council Member McLean to adopt the December 13, 2016 meeting agenda with changes, if any, as listed below. Agenda Items Added: • none Agenda Items Removed: • none Motion unanimously approved. Proclamation Presentation — Clem Medley Mayor Harris noted he presented a proclamation to Mr. Clem Medley at his retirement party on December 12, 2016. A copy of Proclamation (P2016-26) is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #1. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Each speaker is asked to limit comments to 3 minutes, and the total comment period will be 30 minutes. Citizens must sign up and register on a sign-up sheet available on the podium within the City Council Chambers prior to the start of the meeting. Mayor Harris read the City of Dunn City Council Public Comment Policy. There were no public comments. PUBLIC HEARINGS Conditional Use Permit — Cu -03-16 James D. West 110 S. Wilson Avenue & 12 E. Broad Street PIN# 1516-67-4017.000 & 1516-67-3195.000 This is a request for a Conditional Use Permit [Zoning Ordinance Article IX Section 22-461 (6)(m)] from James D. West. The conditional use will allow the operation of a banquet hall/event venue. The Public Hearing is the opportunity for the Council to hear sworn testimony and receive specific evidence from the public to include any party for or against the request. During the deliberation for decision questions may only be asked to clarify previous testimony. The Public Hearing was duly advertised on November 10, 29 and December 6, 2016. Attorney Pope introduced CU -03-16, a request from James D. West for a Conditional Use Permit to allow for the operation of a banquet hall/event. The hearing on this matter is judicial in nature and will be conducted in accordance with special due process safeguards. Swearing -In: Attorney Pope administered oaths to: Planning Director Samantha Wullenwaber James D. West Attorney Pope explained that testimony will first be given by City Planner Director Samantha Wullenwaber, then from the applicant and their witnesses, and then from opponents to the request. Parties may cross-examine witnesses after the witness testifies when questions are called for. If you want the Council to see written evidence, such as reports, maps, or exhibits, the witness who is familiar with the evidence should ask that it be introduced during or at the end of his or her testimony. Reports from persons who are not present to testify will not be accepted. Attorneys who speak should not give factual testimony but may summarize their client's case. Before beginning your testimony, please clearly identify yourself for the record. Attorney Pope opened the hearing on Case #CU -03-16 Conditional Use Permit Application and asked for testimony from City Planner Samantha Wullenwaber. Testimony from the Planner Planning Director Samantha Wullenwaber asked that the documents contained behind tabs #4 and #17 in the City Council packet which includes the conditional use application, Planning Department staff report, statement of justification from the applicant, maps and all other material be entered as evidence. (A copy of these documents entered as evidence for Case CU - 03 -I6 Conditional Use Permit is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #2). Planning Director Wullenwaber stated that the property is located at 110 S. Wilson Avenue and 120 E. Broad Street and is currently zoned C-1, Central Commercial District. The property is currently vacant. The applicant would like to have a banquet hall/event venue at this location. The property is the former Rhett House Interiors building. One building is approximately 5,400 sq. ft. and the other building is approximately 3,300 sq. ft. There are no parking spaces required because in the Central Commercial District does not require parking because there is on street parking. There are about 75 on street parking spaces in the downtown area of Broad Street and Wilson Avenue and this does not include the two public parking lots. Everything around this property is zoned C-1, Central Commercial District. There is retail businesses, a bank, and restaurants with there being a variety of commercial uses in the area. The Land Use Plan does identify this area as commercial on the 2030 Land Use Plan and is located in area three. Water and sewer services are available to this site. The properties is within the Dunn City limits and all public services would be available. The properties are downtown and have frontage on S. Wilson Avenue and E. Broad Street. The conditional use request is to allow the operation of a banquet hall/event venue. The properties are currently vacant and they are connected internally, although there are two PIN numbers. The parking requirement is waived in the Central Commercial District per the zoning ordinance. All parking will be on street and using public parking lots. Conditions may be placed upon the application, only if the applicant agrees to them Attorney Pope inquired if anyone that was sworn in had any questions for the City Planner. There were no public questions at this time. Attorney Pope inquired if Council had any questions for the City Planner. Council Member Tumage asked if the applicant was aware of the challenges for garbage pick-up. Council Member Tumage was given a head nod of yes by the applicant. Mayor Harris inquired if the applicant was also the owner. City Planner Wullenwaber believed so but the applicant would be better to answer the question. Testimonyfrom the Applicant/Proponents Attorney pope explained that we will now here from the applicant and other proponents. If there are attorneys or other representatives who will give a general summary of the client's position, we'd like for you to go fust. James D. West, applicant noted that as far as the trash goes, he takes care of that himself. Attorney Pope inquired if anyone had questions for the applicant. Mayor Harris inquired if the applicant was going to be the owner and operator of the facility. Mr. West indicated he will be the operator and will have someone be in charge of the day to day operations. Testimony from Opponents Attorney pope explained that we will now here from people opposing the request. If there are attorneys or other representatives who will give a general summary of the client's position, we'd like for you to go first. There were no oppositions to the request. Attorney pope stated hearing no more testimony, we will now entertain any further questions from the City Council Members for the applicant, proponents or opponents at this time. Once the public hearing is closed, the only questions posed to the applicant, proponents or opponents shall be for clarification. No new evidence can be introduced after closing the Public Hearing. Additionally, if there are any conditions that the Council would like to consider on the granting of the conditional use permit, they must be agreed to by the applicant and they must be asked that the applicant here at this time whether or not he will agree to them. Are there any other questions of the Council of anybody before we close the Public Hearing? Council Member Barfield inquired if either street or one street would be used for entering and exiting the property. Mr. West replied that both streets would be used. Council did not have any conditions for the applicant to consider for the granting of the conditional use application. Mayor Harris inquired to entertain a motion to close the Public Hearing. Motion by Council Member Barfield and seconded by Council Member Tumage to close the Public Hearing. Motion unanimously approved. Demolition of House 604-606 S. Fayetteville Avenue PIN# 1516-45-7909.000 281 The public has been notified that oral and written comments will be heard and received concerning the demolition of the dwelling located at 604-606 S. Fayetteville Avenue, Dunn, NC. The public hearing was duly advertised on November 29, 2016 and December 6, 2016. Lee Brown, owner of the property noted he has put a lot of money into the renovation and he is half way through from a total re -gut. I am asking for a 60 -day extension to complete the renovations. Chief Building Inspector Steven King noted Mr. Brown has worked very hard on getting this property up to code and I would recommended another 60 days to complete the renovation. There were no other comments at this time. Demolition of House 117 Bruce Drive 1506-88-3051.000 The public has been notified that oral and written comments will be heard and received concerning the demolition of the dwelling located a 117 Bruce Drive, Dunn, NC. The public hearing was duly advertised on November 29, 2016 and December 6, 2016. Derek Ryals 121 Bruce Drive and Donald Ryals 121 Bruce Drive noted the property does need a lot of work and that the materials have been purchased to bring the property to code. We are currently in the deconstruction phase of the property and are here to ask for more time. The property is not an eye sore. Chief Building Inspector Steven King noted there has been some exterior paint done and a few windows were replaced. Some clean-up has been done but not a whole lot. Mr. Ryals stated they have several thousand dollars of material for the house for floor joists and all the sheetrock, vinyl siding and paint and I am asking for more time approximately 3-6 months. Council Member Maness inquired as to when the project started. Mr. Ryals stated he has been gathering the materials for a while. Council Member Maness stated if we gave you a maximum of 6 months would the property be done in that time frame. Mr. Ryals stated he wasn't sure if it would be done but it would be livable. Council Member Tumage inquired if the property was going to be rented or not. Mr. Ryals stated that decision hasn't been made yet. Council Member Tumage inquired to Building Inspector King since the property is not livable they would need to get a certificate of occupancy once they have met the requirements. Building Inspector King stated yes. Mayor Harris stated that communication and keeping the Building Inspector informed was key. Council Member Tart commented on the previous comment by Mr. Ryals when he stated the property was not an eye sore. Council Member Tart stated to him the property was an eye sore when there is debris outside, but he would like to see the property cleaned up outside within the first 30 days. There were no public comments at this time. Demolition of House 605-607 S. Fayetteville Avenue 1516-45-7888.000 The public has been notified that oral and written comments will be heard and received concerning the demolition of the dwelling located at 605-607 S. Fayetteville Avenue, Dunn, NC. The public hearing was duly advertised on November 29, 2016 and December 6, 2016. J. Jaison Joyner, Jr. 6264 Mt. Olive Hwy Mt. Olive, NC and owner of 605-607 S. Fayetteville Avenue. Mr. Joyner noted he is trying to fix the property. I do need to do some electrical work and safety work inside. I have contacted electricians and have been told it is too close to Christmas and don't have time until after the first of the year. I am here asking for time to get the electrician in there and get some other work done. I am asking for a few months. Council Member Tumage noted the property has been boarded up for quite some time. Chief Building Inspector Steven King stated Mr. Joyner has kept him up to speed with everything and Mr. Joyner is working on buying out the other owner and make all the repairs himself. Mr. Joyner did apply for a permit on September 30, 2016 to repair the porches and doors. I also stated to Mr. Joyner the work on the outside would not be enough to bring the property up to code, but as of today I haven't been in to complete an inspection of the house and there is no current permit issued for any repairs. Council Member Barfield inquired about the time frame given to the property owner. Building Inspector King noted the General Statutes notification is within 10 days. Council Member Maness asked if 2 months was realistic to get the work done. Building Inspector King stated Z monms woula be gooa, u mey got in mere gnu starteu worxmg. There were no public comments at this time. Minutes — Council considered approval of minutes of the November 8, 2016 City Council Meeting Consideration of Ordinance Rescinding an Ordinance directing the Building Inspector to remove or demolish the property located at 411 East Cleveland Street, Dunn, NC - A copy of Ordinance (02016-24) is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #3. Consideration of Ordinance Rescinding an Ordinance directing the Building Inspector to remove or demolish the property located at 808 North King Street, Dunn, NC - A copy of Ordinance (02016-25) is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #4. Consideration of Ordinance Rescinding an Ordinance directing the Building Inspector to remove or demolish the property located at 912 North Ellis Avenue, Dunn, NC - A copy of Ordinance (02016-26) is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #5. Consideration of Ordinance Rescinding an Ordinance directing the Building Inspector to remove or demolish the property located at 507 North Ellis Avenue, Dunn, NC - A copy of Ordinance (02016-27) is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #6. Consideration of Ordinance Rescinding an Ordinance directing the Building Inspector to remove or demolish the property located at 405 North Washington Avenue, Dunn, NC - A copy of Ordinance (02016-28) is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #7. Consideration of Resolution authorizing the disposition of personal property - A copy of Resolution (R2016-25) is incorporated into these minutes as Attachment #8. Motion by Council Member Barfield and seconded by Council Member McLean to approve all consent items. Motion unanimously approved. ITEMS FOR DECISION Audit Report FY 2015-2016 Phyllis Pearson from Petway, Mills & Pearson, PA, presented the Audit Fiscal Year 2015-2016 to Council. Ms. Pearson noted a single audit was conducted under government auditing standards and those were also unmodified and there were no significant deficiencies non-compliance that were required to be reported to the state or federal government. Mayor Harris stated there were no corrected or uncorrected misstatements and there were no disagreements with management and they we did not seek any second opinions of management representation as far as other auditors concerns. There was no difficulty in completing the audit and no questionable items. Motion by Council Member Tart and seconded by council Member Maness to approve the Audit for Fiscal Year 2015-2016 as presented. Motion unanimously approved. Consideration of Resolution adopting the 2017 Regular Meeting Schedule for the City of Dunn City Council Mayor Harris stated a Council Member noted that the February meeting falls on Valentine's Day and if there is no objection by Council we should move that to fust Tuesday in February, which is the 7`s. Council Member Barfield stated he would not be present if the meeting was moved to February 7, 2017. Motion by Council Member Tart and seconded by Council Member Maness to change the meeting date on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 to Tuesday, February 7, 2017 and adopt the schedule as presented. Motion unanimously approved. A copy of Resolution (R2016-26) is incorporated into these minutes as attachment #9. Conditional Use Permit CU -03-16 James D. West 110 S. Wilson Avenue & 120 E. Broad Street 1516-674017.000 & 1516-67-3195.000 A request was received from James D. West for the operation of a banquet hall/event venue at 110 S. Wilson Avenue and 120 E. Broad Street. This property is currently zoned C-1, Central Commercial District. The Planning Board met on November 17, 2016, reviewed the request and asked for comments from the public. The applicant was present and spoke on behalf of the request and there was no opposition from the public. The Planning Board recommended in a unanimous vote to approve this request. Motion by Council Member Turnage and seconded by Council Member Maness to grant the Conditional Use Application CU -03-16 with no additional conditions and to include the finding of facts as follows: • Per Zoning Ordinance Article IX Division 1 Section 22-461 (6) M, the Conditional Use is listed in the Ordinance. • The requested use is desirable to the public convenience and desirable to the welfare of the public. • The property and surrounding property is currently commercial. The property uses are commercial in nature. • The location of the request is surrounded by Central Commercial Zoning Districts and uses. The issuance of this permit will be appropriate with the anticipated growth pattern of commercial use identified in area three of the 2030 Land Use Plan. • All facilities are available at this location. Motion unanimously approved. Consideration of Ordinance to Demolish House 604-606 S. Fayetteville Avenue PIN# 1516-45-7909.000 283 Chief Building Inspector Steven King has conducted an inspection at 604-606 S. Fayetteville Avenue and based upon his observations, the structure failed to comply with the minimum standards for fitness established by the Minimum Housing Code of the City of Dunn. The Building Inspector also found the dwelling to be dangerous or prejudicial to the public health or public safety and is a nuisance in violation of G.S. § 160A-193. The owner of the property has failed to comply with the Building Inspector's order and according to the N.C.G.S. §160A- 443, the City Council has the power to proceed with the demolition of this property. Should Council decide to proceed with the demolition of the dwelling at 604-606 S. Fayetteville Avenue, an ordinance would need to be approved directing the Building Inspector to remove ore demolish said structure. Council Member Barfield noted this property location is an eye sore and a problem for years. Building Inspector King stated he was in favor of granting a 60 day extension. Attorney Pope stated this property does not include a one year waiting period and you could table the matter for 60 days. Council Member McLean stated it would be in poor taste now after the owner has spent thousands of dollars on the property to fix it to not table the matter for 60 days. Motion by Council Member McLean and seconded by Council Member McNeill to table this matter for 60 days. Motion unanimously approved. Consideration of Ordinance to Demolish House 117 Bruce Drive PIN# 1506-88-3051.000 Building Inspector Mike Blackman has conducted an inspection at 117 Bruce Drive and based upon his observations, the structure failed to comply with the minimum standards of fitness established by the Minimum Housing Code of the City of Dunn. The Building Inspector also found the dwelling dangerous or prejudicial; to the public health or public safety and is a nuisance in violation of G.S. §160A-193 The owner of the property has failed to comply with the Building Inspector's order and according to N.C.G.S. §160A-443, the city Council has the power to proceed with the demolition of this property. Should Council decide to proceed with the demolition of the dwelling at 117 Bruce Drive, an ordinance would need approval directing the Building Inspector to remove or demolish said structure. Building Inspector King noted there has not been a lot of progress on this property Mayor Harris noted the first thing Council Member Tart addressed was to get the outside cleaned up and then get in touch with you and keep you informed and try to see if we can work out a situation where wegive him time to bring the property into compliance. Attorney Pope noted this property does not have a one year waiting period. If you wanted to give it time the proper procedure would be to table it for some period time. Motion by Council Member Maness and seconded by Council Member Tumage to table this issue until the next Council meeting and get an update and see how progress is being made and if progress is not being made we can take other action. Motion unanimously approved. Consideration of Ordinance to Demolish House 605-607 S. Fayetteville Avenue PIN# 1516-45-7888.000 Chief Building Inspector Steven King has conducted an inspection at 605-607 S. Fayetteville Avenue and based upon his observations, the structure failed to comply with the minimum standards of fitness established by the minimum Housing Code of the City of Dunn. The Building Inspector also found the dwelling dangerous or prejudicial to the public health or public safety and is a nuisance in violation of G.S. §160A-193. The owner of the property has failed to comply with the Building Inspector's order and according to N.C.G.S. §160A-443, the city Council has the power to proceed with the demolition of the property. Should Council decide to proceed with the demolition of the dwelling at 605-607 S. Fayetteville Avenue, an ordinance would need approval directing the Building Inspector to remove or demolish said structure. Motion by Council Member Maness and seconded by Council Member McNeill to table this issue until the next Council meeting and get an update and see how progress is being made and if progress is not being made we can take other action. Motion unanimously approved. Mayor Hams noted communication with Building Inspector King is very important. Adoption of Resolution for a Special Order by Consenttproposed Engineering Report Council is being asked to adopt a Resolution for a Special Consent by Order with the State of North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water resources along with the Special Order by Consent Application. Also approve the Engineer Services to perform the proposed Engineering Report (PER) required for the Special Order by Consent Application. The City of Dunn has continued to have Sewer system Vvernows 1SSv) nen stgmucam ram events nave occurreu. the HLOSr recent events were in November and December 2015 and January and February 2016 and Hurricane Matthew in September 2016. The City was levied fines for all overflow except Hurricane Matthew. The City staff along with engineers from DM met with staff from NC Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources on June 29, 2016 on how the City was going to handle decreasing some of these overflows. During the discussion, it was recommended that the City apply for a SOC which would allow us time to address the overflows and eliminate the fines that we are receiving. City Manager Autry noted this topic has been discussed for several years. What is before you is a proposal that we discussed at the last retreat in reference to a preliminary engineer's report that is required by the state before we can do anything anymore. We were looking at a full in depth report/evaluation that would also include an expansion of the wastewater plant several years down the road. We met with staff at North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources in June and talked with them about the overflows and situation about what was going on. In the conversation we are continuing to work with them and stating that the funds are not available to do all the things they are looking at us to do. IN our discussions we were looking at phases on how to do these repairs and eliminate all the overflows that we can. Fines _ have been assessed at just under $10,000 for the rain events in November and December 2015 and January and February 2016 and Hurricane Matthew in September 2016. A strong possibility would be to put another 3 million gallon retention tank over at the Eastside Pump Station. That would hold a considerable rain event. And that would be Phase 1. Phase 2 would be that they want us to upgrade some wastewater lines, and we would move forward with that portion of the project when DOT moves forward with the I-95 widening project and DOT would replace those lines for us. We have to submit a Special Order by Consent and time lines need to be listed that you are going to meet. This is starting the process for the state to review and we would go back and forth with them. The initial study that was proposed to include the wastewater plant and the expansion $125,000 so that is why we went back to the state and they agreed that we could cut it back to do our fust phase. The funds would be coming out of our Water/Sewer Fund Balance. Mayor Harris inquired if the City had received proposals from engineering companies in reference to preparing this. City Manager Autry noted that other engineering firms are in line with the hourly rate. Mayor Harris inquired if $54,000 for the study if the projects were accepted be added to the project itself and be reimbursed for the $54,000 we have to advance to get the study done? City Manager Autry stated yes and we will be going after grants and low interest loans. Council Member Turnage stated at the next retreat I would like Dean and Mike to go over the maps with Council and what it means to us so we can more visual it and what is the plan of action this is associated with and the cost associated with it too. Mike Goliber — Davis Martin Powell stated he can bring maps and show the targeted areas to the next retreat. Motion by Council Member Maness and seconded by Council Member Barfield to adopt the Resolution of Special Order by Consent as presented and to include the budget amendment. Motion unanimously approved. A copy of Resolution (R2016- 27) is incorporated into these minutes as attachment #10. Consideration of Cemetery Flower Guidelines Assistant City Manager Neuschafer noted the Cemetery Advisory Board has met and approved the following language, which is common language used by other local municipal cemeteries: FLOWER GUIDELINES • WITHIN 7 DAYS AFTER FUNERAL SERVICES, ALL FRESH AND ARTIFICIAL FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS EXCEPT ONE, SHALL BE REMOVED. • ONLY 1 FLORAL ARRANGEMENT PER GRAVE SPACE SHALL BE PERMITTED. • ALL HOLIDAY FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS SHALL BE REMOVED WITHIN 3 WEEKS AFTER THE DATE OF THE SAID HOLIDAY. • AFTER APPROPRIATE TIME LIMITS AFTER FUNERAL AND HOLIDAYS, THE CITY OF DUNN WILL REMOVE ALL ARRANGEMENTS, EXCEPT ONE. • FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS SHALL BE PLACED SO AS TO BE SECURE ON TOP OF MONUMENTS, SECURE IN FLOWER VASES IN THOSE MARKERS SO DESIGNED, OR ON TRIPODS AVAILABLE FROM FLORIST. • THE CITY OF DUNN WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS THAT ARE: LOST, STOLEN, BLOWN AWAY FROM GRAVESITE BY WIND OR DAMAGE DURING MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES BECAUSE OF IMPROPER PLACEMENT. • THE CITY OF DUNN WILL REMOVE ALL FLOWERS THAT, ONCE FRESH HAVE DIED OR WILTED, OR ARTIFICIAL, HAVE DISCOLORED OR DETERIORATED AND ARE NO LONGER ATTRACTIVE. Motion by Council Member Barfield and seconded by Council Member McLean to accept the cemetery. Motion unanimously approved. Consideration of Street Light Conversion The purpose of this request is to look at a proposed project to convert every streetlight in the City to LED technology. Resulting in a monthly savings for the City. Moreover, the City will be trying to achieve a more uniform streetlight coverage and quality for the traveling public. City Staff will review the current accounting or streetlights before proceeding with the project if authorized. In an effort to reduce energy usage Duke Energy Progress has offered a program for municipalities to swap out older V tures and install LED type fixtures. The City did a pilot project with the streetlights on US 421 from Powell Avenue to the "Walmart bridge" last year. Currently there are three types of light bulbs lighting the City streets; High Pressure Sodium, Metal Halide, and LED (light emitting diode). There are 1480 street lights that are currently billed to the City and a project to convert the light would spam approximately three months. There is a one-time cost for fixtures whose initial contract period is not yet expired; 163 lights are newer and there will be a one-time charge of $13,735 to convert those lights. Changing out all of the lights will reduce our monthly charge for streetlights from $16,997 to $15,210 ($1,787 [11%] savings per month) the initial charge for conversion will be covered with the first 8 months of savings. Motion by Council Member Maness and seconded by Council Member Barfield to authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Duke Energy Progress to convert all the existing streetlights throughout the City to LED. Motion unanimously approved. Resolution Adopting the Harnett County Comprehensive Transportation Plan Update The Harnett County Comprehensive Transportation Plan was adopted in 2011. An update needed to be completed to reflect the growth and changes in the County. During the past year the North Carolina Department of Transportation has worked with each municipality and county planning staff to update the plan. Planning Director Wullenwaber noted this plan is in conjunction with all the different municipalities and Harnett County as well as Harnett County Planning. The plan was adopted in 2011 and this is an update to add pedestrian and bicycle runs. Motion by Council Member McLean and seconded by Council Member Barfield to adopt the Resolution of the Comprehensive Transportation Plan Update for Harnett County. Motion unanimously approved. A copy of Resolution (R2016-28) is incorporated into these minutes as attachment #11. Resolution to apply for an EPA Brownfield's Assessment Grant The City is looking for approval to apply for a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfield's Grant This is a 100% federally funded grant and is designed to work together with the EPA in a timely manner to prevent, asses, and create the opportunity for reuse abandoned or contaminated properties. IN 2013 the City successfully applied for and won a $400,000 grant and we are seeking another round of funding to continue the EPA Brownfield's Program in our community. This grant cycle is for $300,000. The City of Dunn has multiple abandoned industrial sites, old gas stations, and other areas with potential hazardous substances and petroleum pollution. This grant would allow for the assessment of those properties and create a plan that would demonstrate precisely what was needed to clean up the site and redevelop it. This is a great tool that could potentially create new parks, greenways, museums, etc. and attract new business to Dunn. The possibility of growth, change, and redevelopment is endless. There are no matching funds required by the City of Dunn and all funds will be available up front or as needed. Motion by Council Member Tumage and seconded by Council Member Maness to adopt the Resolution authorizing an application for Environmental Protection Agency Brownfield Assessment Fund. Motion unanimously approved. A copy of Resolution (R2016-28) is incorporated into these minutes as attachment #12. Election of Mayor Pro Tem Mayor Harris deferred this issue until a later date. Meter Reading Contract with Envirolink Finance Director Mark Stephens noted the City has two meter reading positions. Currently, one of those positions is vacant. We have had difficulty in recruiting and retaining these positions within the last year. We began to look at other alternatives. One alternative was to contract a portion of the City's meter reading. We discovered there were some potential savings and this would be the first step in going to a full automated meter reading system. The City would still keep one meter reading position and Envirolink would read approximately 3,100 meters. By going with this contract the City could have a potential savings of $15,153 from benefits and removing the truck expenses. The contract is for 5 years with a 90 day out if we feel it is not working for us. Motion by Council Member Barfield and seconded by Council Member McLean to accept going into a contract with Envirolink for meter reading. Motion unanimously approved. ITEM FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR DECISION Financial Report Finance Director Mark Stephens provided the following financial report for the period ending October 31, 2016: • The City as of October 31, 2016 had $1,502,786 in cash in the General Fund and $2,241,137 in the Water and Sewer Fund. In September 2015 the City had $1,446,887 in the General Fund and $2,011,681 in the Water and Sewer Fund. • Property Tax collections were $734,378 or 19.87% of budget. Last year property tax collections through September were $699,626 or 19.77% • Sales Tax Revenue is $465,014 or 27.76% of budget. Benchmark for the month is 25.00% of budget. • Utilities Sales Tax is $160,500 or 20.34% of budget. Benchmark for this month is 25.00% of budget. • Building Permit Fees were $28,997 or 44.61% of budget. Benchmark for this month is 33.33% of budget. • Water and Sewer Revenues were $1,678,059 or 37.29% of budget. Benchmark for this month is 33.33% of budget • Expenditures were 30.88% of budget in the general fund and 27.20% of budget in the water and sewer fund. The benchmark for this period is 33.33% of budget. 286 Mayor Harris noted he would like to see a more current report at the next meeting. Motion by Council Member Tart and seconded by Council Member Maness to accept the Financial Report. Motion carried unanimously. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS Tax Report Building Report, Planning, Recreation and Library Reports Police Report Motion by Council Member Barfield and seconded by Council Member McLean to accept the Administrative Reports. Motion unanimously approved. ANNOUNCEMENTS The following announcements and/or comments were made Mayor Harris: ➢ Mayor Harris received a letter on behalf of a citizen from a retired Doctor who wrote a check to me personally and I endorsed it over to the City for deposit. The Doctor had a flat tire and a citizen help him get it fixed. The Doctor was from the School of Medicine at UNC and at one time was in charge of Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. I would like to turn this letter over to the press and see if they can find out who the person was helped the Doctor and we could recognize this individual for that particular event. ➢ City offices will be closed on Friday, Monday and Tuesday December 23rd, 2611', and 2711' for Christmas and Monday, January 2nd 2017 for New Year's Day ➢ The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled. for Tuesday, January 10, 2017 @ 7:00 p.m. ➢ Mayor Hams noted of the non -profits the City has supported over the years, especially the Dunn United Ministerial Association and just today they served 213 people at the food pantry. I would like to thank them, all the churches and all the volunteers and individuals who make contributions throughout the year. Council Member Turnage offered a birthday celebration greeting to the Army National Guard on December 13, 1636. Council Member McLean wished everyone a good and prosperous holiday. Council Member Maness noted he helped at the Food Pantry and wanted to thank the businesses and churches that made a special effort financially to be able to acquire in excess of 200 turkeys. He also wished everyone a very Merry Christmas and a very prosperous and Happy New Year. I apologize to our City employees for not being able to attend the luncheon for them. He thank the City employees, department heads and staff for the job they do every day of the year. Mayor Harris noted on behalf of the Mayor's office and Council, City Attorney and City Manager and staff we wish each and everyone one of you a very Merry Christmas and a safe, healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. Council Member Barfield thanked the Mayor and his family for their contribution to the Dunn museum. Motion by Council Member Barfield and seconded by Council Member McNeill to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Motion unanimously approved. car N. Hams Mayor Attest: - ��u�ut,q� Jennifer. . For[ir , CMC !` \•• City Clerk .. �s . CAPC�``�• '"�oi19