september 9, 201981cf1c17-216a-4959-be57... · city council regular session september 9, 2019 the...

City Council Regular Session September 9, 2019

The City Council of the City of Elizabeth City met in regular session on Monday, September 9, 2019 in Council Chambers, located on the 2nd floor of the Municipal Administration Building, 306 E. Colonial Avenue, Elizabeth City, NC.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Bettie Parker Councilman Kem Spence

Councilman Johnnie Walton Councilman Billy Caudle Mayor Pro Tem Rickey King Councilwoman Anita Hummer Councilman Darius Horton Councilwoman Jeannie Young Councilman Gabriel Adkins

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

OTHERS PRESENT: City Manager Rich Olson City Attorney Bill Morgan Chief of Police Eddie Buffaloe Deputy Chief of Police James Avens Finance Director Suzanne Tungate Interim Electric Department Superintendent Bob Vannoy Electric Department Foreman Jason Value Load Management Specialist Ricky Albertson Assistant City Manager Angela Cole Human Resources Director Montique McClary Interim Fire Chief Chris Carver ECDI Director Debbie Malenfant Public Utilities Director Amanda Boone Parks and Recreation Director Dexter Harris Grants Management Administrator Jon Hawley IT Director Matthew Simpson Interim City Clerk April Onley

The City Council regular session was called to order by Mayor Bettie Parker at 7:03 p.m. Mayor Parker welcomed everyone to the meeting and recognized Councilman Kem Spence to give the invocation, after which Mayor Parker led the Pledge of Allegiance.

1. Agenda Adjustments and Approval:

Mayor Parker requested the Council’s pleasure regarding approval of the prepared agenda.

Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Rickey King, seconded by Councilwoman Anita Hummer to approve the agenda with any necessary adjustments. Those voting in favor of the motion were: Spence, Walton, Caudle, King, Hummer, Horton, Young, and Adkins. Against: None. Motion carried.

2. Statement of Disclosure:

The City Clerk read the Statement of Disclosure. No conflict of interest disclosures regarding items listed on the agenda were made.

3. Presentation – Hurricane Dorian Update: Mayor Parker recognized City Manager Olson, Interim Electric Superintendent Bob Vannoy, Load Management Specialist Bob Vannoy, Electric Department Foreman Jason Value, and Public Works Director Amanda Boone to provide the Council with an update on how the City faired during the hurricane. City Manager Olson read the following timeline of events into the record

Hurricane Dorian Timeline

City staff began monitoring Hurricane Dorian on August 30, 2019. At this time, it did not appear to be a threat to our area.

On September 3rd Asst. City Manager Cole met with all Department directors and key staff members and informed them to begin their formal hurricane preparation work (most had already begun)

On September 4th, the first meeting of the Control Group was held. Information provided to the Control group was 65 mph winds on Friday with 4-8 inches of rain.

The Control group took the following action: I. Declared a State of Emergency II. Full activation of the EOC @ 8:00 a.m. 9/5/2019

III. Made the decision to open shelters at 8:00 a.m. 9/5/2019 IV. Scheduled a support group meeting for 4:00 p.m. that day V. Camden County and Pasquotank County closed offices on Friday September 6th

VI. City had not made a determination regarding Friday VII. Cancelled trash pickup for September 6th

September 5, 2019 Control group met again and received an additional update which included:

I. 65-75 mph gusts II. 8-10” of rainfall

III. 1-3’ storm surge IV. Potential for tornados

Based on the new forecast, the Control Group took the following action: I. Issued a voluntary evacuation of Zone A II. Required the Citadel to evacuate immediately

III. Issued a mandatory evacuation for the area south of the airport as well as Oxford Heights.

City started experiencing power outages the night of September 5, 2019

Beginning at 6:00 a.m. on September 6th, the City began experiencing several large scale outages

Power Restoration Efforts

At 7:15 a.m. we lost Circuit #3 out of Knobbs Creek Substation. Most customers were back on line by 8:05 p.m. Everyone was back on line by 4:00 p.m. Saturday 9/7/2019

At 8:30 a.m. Friday we lost circuit #1 out of Catalina substation. Power was restored at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday 9/7/2019

At 8:30 a.m. Friday we lost Circuit #3 out of River Road substation. Most of the customers had power by 8:05 p.m. on Friday. All were on by 4:00 p.m. Saturday

We dropped the Weeksville substation at 10:30 a.m. Friday. At 1:00 p.m. the substation was brought back on line. Circuit #1, #3 and #4 were brought back on line at 4:40 p.m. Circuit #2 was brought back online at 9:50 a.m. We lost the Perkins substation due to trees taking out the transmission lines on Main Street extended. We lost all 4 circuits. At 8:30 p.m. circuit #1 was brought back online. At 9:40 p.m. Circuit #2 was energized, Circuit #3 was brought online at 11:00 a.m. September 7th, while Circuit 4 was turned on at 10:30 a.m. September 7th.

The City utilized our Electricities mutual agreement. First outside crews arrived at 4:00 p.m. on September 6, 2019.

Mutual aid crews came from 4 cities Tarboro, Wake Forest, Rocky Mount, and Wilson. Electricities sent a Disaster Coordinator; a total of 30 employees worked totaling 690 man hours.

Elizabeth City, 26 employees worked totaling 416 man hours.

Total of 1190 man hours dedicated to power restoration activities

15 trees were cut

At peak 60% of the City was without power. Public Safety

Public safety received 186 calls for services during the storm

1678.5 man hours were worked during the event.

Were stationed at the EOC

Helped evacuate 70 residents from the Citadel Nursing Home. Damage to city facilities

Roof at the Public Safety Building received damage

Lost canopy at Airport Terminal

Hooker Park damaged playground equipment

Lost internet phone services at the fire stations

Multiple sanitary sewer overflows due to power failures and increase inflow and infiltration. Staff estimates 100,000 gallons reached the river. Notice has been sent to the State.

Public works, 69 employees worked totaling 345 man hours The City Council thanked the employees who worked around the clock to ensure that power was restored and commended their efforts to keep the City running. Councilman Adkins mentioned that several of his constituents were upset that they had received a “wrong number” to call for questions about power restoration and progress. City Manager Olson stated that the number for Emergency Management, although correct, had briefly been out of commission due to the storm. The Council adopted several resolutions of gratitude for the efforts of the City employees, as well as those of neighboring towns who came to the City’s aid.

RESOLUTION #2019-9-01 Resolution of Gratitude for Assistance During Hurricane Dorian

WHEREAS, on September 6, 2019, the City of Elizabeth City was under a State of

Emergency due to Hurricane Dorian, a violent weather event; and

WHEREAS, during the event, much of the City was without electricity due to downed trees, power lines, flooding, and other weather-related problems; and

WHEREAS, in a show of dedicated service and good neighborship, the Town of Tarboro

came to the aid of the City of Elizabeth during our time of need; and

WHEREAS, the diligent efforts and assistance offered by the Town of Tarboro are all

manifestations of the Town’s principled leaders and employees; and

WHEREAS, Tarboro’s hard work and dedicated service contributed immensely to the recovery efforts of the City of Elizabeth following Hurricane Dorian and the speed with which those efforts were able to occur.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Elizabeth City offers and extends the sincerest and most profound gratitude to the Town of

Tarboro for their efforts and assistance during Elizabeth City’s time of need.

ADOPTED, this the 9th day of September, 2019.

___________________________________ Bettie J. Parker Mayor _________________________________ April D. Onley City Clerk


WHEREAS, on September 6, 2019, the City of Elizabeth City was under a State of Emergency due to Hurricane Dorian, a violent weather event; and

WHEREAS, during the event, much of the City was without electricity due to downed

trees, power lines, flooding, and other weather-related problems; and

WHEREAS, in a show of dedicated service and good neighborship, the City of Rocky Mount came to the aid of the City of Elizabeth during our time of need; and

WHEREAS, the diligent efforts and assistance offered by the City of Rocky Mount are

all manifestations of the City’s principled leaders and employees; and

WHEREAS, Rocky Mount’s hard work and dedicated service contributed immensely to the recovery efforts of the City of Elizabeth following Hurricane Dorian and the speed with which those efforts were able to occur.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Elizabeth City offers and extends the sincerest and most profound gratitude to the City of

Rocky Mount for their efforts and assistance during Elizabeth City’s time of need.




WHEREAS, on September 6, 2019, the City of Elizabeth City was under a State of Emergency due to Hurricane Dorian, a violent weather event; and



WHEREAS, in a show of dedicated service and good neighborship, the Town of Wake

Forest came to the aid of the City of Elizabeth during our time of need; and

WHEREAS, the diligent efforts and assistance offered by the Town of Wake Forest are

all manifestations of the Town’s principled leaders and employees; and

WHEREAS, Wake Forest’s hard work and dedicated service contributed immensely to the recovery efforts of the City of Elizabeth following Hurricane Dorian and the speed with

which those efforts were able to occur.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Elizabeth City offers and extends the sincerest and most profound gratitude to the Town of

Wake Forest for their efforts and assistance during Elizabeth City’s time of need.






WHEREAS, during the event, much of the City was without electricity due to downed trees, power lines, flooding, and other weather-related problems; and

WHEREAS, in a show of dedicated service and good neighborship, the City of Wilson

came to the aid of the City of Elizabeth during our time of need; and

WHEREAS, the diligent efforts and assistance offered by the City of Wilson are all

manifestations of the City’s principled leaders and employees; and

WHEREAS, Wilson’s hard work and dedicated service contributed immensely to the recovery efforts of the City of Elizabeth following Hurricane Dorian and the speed with which those efforts were able to occur.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Elizabeth City offers and extends the sincerest and most profound gratitude to the City of

Wilson for their efforts and assistance during Elizabeth City’s time of need.








WHEREAS, in a show of dedicated service and good neighborship, ElectriCities came

to the aid of the City of Elizabeth during our time of need; and

WHEREAS, the diligent efforts and assistance offered by ElectriCities are all manifestations of their principled leaders and employees; and

WHEREAS, ElectriCities’ hard work and dedicated service contributed immensely to the recovery efforts of the City of Elizabeth following Hurricane Dorian and the speed with which

those efforts were able to occur.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Elizabeth City offers and extends the sincerest and most profound gratitude to the ElectriCities for their efforts and assistance during Elizabeth City’s time of need.








WHEREAS, in a show of dedicated service, City employees rose to the occasion, putting

in over 2,500 hours working around the clock during our time of need; and

WHEREAS, the diligent efforts and assistance by City employees are all manifestations of their principled leaders and admirable work ethic; and

WHEREAS, the hard work and dedicated service put in by employees of the City of Elizabeth City contributed immensely to the recovery efforts following Hurricane Dorian and

the speed with which those efforts were able to occur.

NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Elizabeth City offers and extends the sincerest and most profound gratitude to the employees

of the City of Elizabeth City for their efforts and assistance during our time of need.



Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem King, seconded by Councilwoman Young to adopt the resolutions of gratitude, as read into the record by Mayor Parker. Those voting in favor of the motion were: Spence, Walton, Caudle, King, Hummer, Horton, Young, and Adkins. Against: None. Motion carried.

4. Comments from the Public:

There were no persons present who wished to speak. 5. Public Hearings:

a. Hold a Public Hearing – Hockmeyer OneNC Funding;

Mayor Parker recognized City Manager Olson to give an overview on the matter before opening the public hearing. Mr. Olson stated that Hockmeyer, Inc. is expanding its current operation of 6 Kitty Hawk Lane, which will create 90 news full-time jobs, and an investment of around $6 million dollars in the community. He advised the Council that when Hockmeyer submitted the original grant to OneNC for $300,000, the Council authorized a $100,000 match. Mr. Olson pointed out that funding had been awarded by OneNC, and this evening’s public hearing was to fund the approved $100,000 in match funds. Mayor Parker declared the public hearing open and inquired of the City Clerk if there were persons present who wished to speak. Upon the response that there were none, Mayor Parker closed the hearing.

Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem King, seconded by Councilwoman Young to authorize the $100,000 match for Hockmeyer, Inc. Those voting in favor of the motion were: Spence, Walton, Caudle, King, Hummer, Horton, Young, and Adkins. Against: None. Motion carried.

b. Hold a Public Hearing – LGC Installment Financing for Water and Sewer Lines;

Mayor Parker recognized City Manager Olson to provide background on the item. City Manager Olson stated that during the August 12, 2019 City Council meeting, approval was given to award financing to BciCapital Management for water and sewer line improvements, in the amount of $800,000. He noted that since this project required approval by the LGC, certain steps were required, one of which was adoption of a resolution authorizing application filing, financing, and a formal public hearing. Mayor Parker declared the public hearing open and inquired of the City Clerk if there were persons present who wished to speak. Upon the response that there were none, Mayor Parker closed the hearing.

Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem King, seconded by Councilman Spence to adopt a resolution authorizing filing of an application for a financing agreement. Those voting in favor of the motion were: Spence, Walton, Caudle, King, Hummer, Horton, Young, and Adkins. Against: None. Motion carried.

RESOLUTION# 2019-9-07

Resolution for Water and Sewer Line Improvement to be Funded by Five-Year Installment Purchase Financing

WHEREAS, on August 12, 2019, the City Council approved the financing proposal from BciCapital Management for Water and Sewer Line Improvements; and

WHEREAS, the total funding required for this project is $800,000; and

WHEREAS, of the nine banks approached for financing, the City received four bids, the

lowest of which was from BciCapital Management, which had a fixed rate of 2.15%; and

WHEREAS, the requisite public hearing soliciting input for the purchase was called for

on August 26, 2019, and held on September 9, 2019, after proper public notice.

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Elizabeth City that application shall be made to the Local Government Commission (LGC) approving the five-year installment purchase financing through BciCapital Management. ADOPTED, this the 9th day of September 2019. ________________________________ Bettie J. Parker Mayor ____________________________ April D. Onley City Clerk

c. Hold a Public Hearing – Changes to Residency Requirements;

Mayor Parker requested that City Manager Olson provide an overview on the item prior to opening the public hearing. Mr. Olson stated that the matter to be considered was whether or not to remove the residency requirement placed on department directors. He noted that all directors are required to reside within City limits. Mr. Olson reminded the Council that in January 2015, ordinance #2015-01-01 was approved, which modified the provisions of ordinance 96094, which allowed internal applicants who were employed between September 9, 1996 and January 26, 2015, and not residents of the City, to be grandfathered in; they could be promoted without being required to relocate. Mr. Olson pointed out that removing the residency requirement who allow the City better options for employing highly skilled individuals. He stated that the Chief of Police and Fire Chief would be subject to living somewhere that they could still have a 30-minute response time. Additionally, the City Manager and Assistant City Manager would still be required to live within City limits. He added that department heads would still be required to live within a 30-mile radius; the ordinance was simply to change the inside-City-limits requirement. Councilman Spence asked if department directors who currently lived within City limits could now move outside to the 30-mile radius if they chose to do so; and Mr. Olson replied that they could. Councilman Walton indicated that he felt Edenton had many qualified individuals and wanted to make sure they would be included within the 30-mile radius. Mr. Olson responded that it was very possible for someone to get from Edenton to Elizabeth City within 30 minutes. Councilman Walton asked that Human Resources provide him with a count of the number of employees who currently resided in Edenton. Having no further discussion, Mayor Parker declared the public hearing open and inquired of the City Clerk if there were persons present who wished to speak. Upon the Clerk’s reply that there were none, Mayor Parker declared the hearing closed.

Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem King, seconded by Councilwoman Young to adopt the ordinance to change the residency requirements. Those voting in favor of the motion were: Spence, Walton, Caudle, King, Hummer, Horton, Young, and Adkins. Against: None. Motion carried.

ORDINANCE #2019-09-01 TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 2015- 01-01

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT FOR DEPARTMENT HEADS

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Elizabeth City adopted Ordinance #97094 on September 9, 1996, which required all department heads appointed after September 9, 1996 to live within the City limits if they were not working for the City prior to that date; and

WHEREAS, on February 12, 2007, the City of Elizabeth City Council approved the re-codification of all City ordinances; and by nature of the codification process, if an ordinance or section of the code was not included in the re-codification of Elizabeth City’s ordinance, it is deemed repealed; and

WHEREAS, Ordinance #96094 was not included in the re-codification and as such has been repealed; and

WHEREAS, the City Council desires to amend Ordinance # 2015-01-01 and section 30.10 of the Elizabeth City Code of Ordinances to reflect that any employee who is presently employed at the time of the adoption of this ordinance shall not be required to relocate into the City limits if promoted to the position of a non-public safety department director; and

WHEREAS, the fire Chief and Police Chief positions will require expedited response to fire or crime scenes, and therefore shall live within a 30-minute response time; and

WHEREAS, a Public Hearing on this matter was called on August 26, 2019, and subsequently held on September 9, 2019.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Elizabeth City, that any department heads employed by the City of Elizabeth City, and are not in a public safety field, may reside within 30 miles of the corporate limits of the City of Elizabeth City; those in the public safety field (Fire Chief and Police Chief) must live no farther from the City limits than necessary so as to allow the department head to reach the City limits within 30 minutes from his or her residence;

AND BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the City Council also desires to retain the requirement that both the City Manager and the Assistant City Manager must reside within corporate City limits; and SECTION I: that all ordinances and clauses of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed; and SECTION 2: that this ordinance shall be in full force and effect from September 9, 2019 forward.

ADOPTED, this the 9th day of September, 2019. ___________________________ Bettie J. Parker Mayor ATTEST: _________________________________ April D. Onley City Clerk 6. Consent Agenda: (City Manager Recommends Approval.) Mayor Parker requested that the Consent Agenda be addressed item by item in light of the fact that the Finance Committee meeting had been canceled due to Hurricane Dorian:

a. Consideration – Authorize Live Burn – 609 Parsonage Street;

Motion was made by Councilwoman Young, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem to authorize the live burn at 609 Parsonage Street. Those voting in favor of the motion were: Spence, Walton, Caudle, King, Hummer, Horton, Young, and Adkins. Against: None. Motion carried.

b. Consideration – Authorize Waiver for Waterfront Park Closing;

Motion was made by Councilwoman Young, seconded by Councilwoman Hummer to approve the waiver for Waterfront Park. Those voting in favor of the motion were: Spence, Walton, Caudle, King, Hummer, Horton, Young, and Adkins. Against: None. Motion carried.

c. Consideration – Approve Budget Amendment for Insurance

Reimbursement;

Motion was made by Councilwoman Young, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem King to approve the budget amendment. Those voting in favor of the motion were: Spence, Walton, Caudle, King, Hummer, Horton, Young, and Adkins. Against: None. Motion carried.

BUDGET AMENDMENT

BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Elizabeth City that the following amendment

be made to the annual budget ordinance for fiscal year ending June 30, 2020:

SECTION I. That the Water & Sewer Fund Insurance Revenue (31-3350-8300) will be increased by $17,071,

And that the Water & Sewer Fund Capital Outlay (31-8200-7400) will be increased

by $17,071. (This amendment will authorize the Public Utilities Department to purchase replacements needed due to a lightning strike.) ADOPTED, this 9th day of September 2019.

Bettie J. Parker

Mayor

Attest:

April Onley City Clerk

d. Consideration – Approve Financing for Wastewater Treatment Plant

Projects;

Motion was made by Councilwoman Young, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem King to approve financing for the wastewater treatment plant projects. Those voting in favor of the motion were: Spence, Walton, Caudle, King, Hummer, Horton, Young, and Adkins. Against: None. Motion carried.

RESOLUTION# 2019-9-08 Resolution for Waste Water Treatment Plant Equipment

Funded by Five-Year Installment Purchase Financing

WHEREAS, on August 26, 2019, the City Council approved the bid proposal from Enviro-Tech Unlimited Construction Service, Inc. for various equipment repairs at the Waste Water Treatment Plant; and

WHEREAS, the winning bid from Enviro-Tech for this project is $692,850.; and

WHEREAS, of the nine banks approached for financing, the City received two bids, the

lowest of which was from BB&T, which had a fixed rate of 2.08%; and

WHEREAS, the City will pay $36,631.31 in interest on this project, which will bring the total cost to $729,481.31. NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Elizabeth City to approve the five-year installment purchase financing through BB&T Bank. ADOPTED, this the 9th day of September 2019. ________________________________ Bettie J. Parker Mayor ____________________________ April D. Onley City Clerk

e. Consideration – Donation of Surplus MDTs to Perquimans;

Motion was made by Councilman Spence, seconded by Councilwoman Young to authorize donation of MDTs to Perquimans. Those voting in favor of the motion were:

Spence, Walton, Caudle, King, Hummer, Horton, Young, and Adkins. Against: None. Motion carried.

7. Regular Agenda: a. Any Item Pulled from the Consent Agenda No items were pulled from the Consent Agenda. b. Consideration – Appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission; Mayor Parker recognized City Manager Olson to provide a brief overview. City Manager Olson stated that Mrs. Doris Johnson’s second term on the HPC would be expiring on September 30, 2019, and as only two consecutive terms may be held, a new candidate would need to fill the position. He advised the Council that the application for Ms. Charlene Wade had been received and was filed in the Clerk’s office. He noted that Ms. Wade owns property in Elizabeth City’s local downtown historic district, and she also occupies office space in her business, Workforce Resources Incorporated. He added that this appointment would require a motion and a roll call vote.

Motion was made by Councilman Horton, seconded by Councilwoman Young to appoint Ms. Charlene Wade to the HPC. Those voting in favor of the motion were: Spence, Walton, Caudle, King, Hummer, Horton, Young, and Adkins. Against: None. A roll call vote followed, which yielded the same results. Motion carried.

c. Consideration – Award Contract for Debris Monitoring Services; City Manager Olson advised the Council that this item and the next were both for pre-placed contracts that allow the City to have a company staged prior to a natural disaster, such as a hurricane. He stated that the contract would be with Tetra-Tech, who the City had previously had a contract with since February of 2015. The original contract allowed for a three-year term, with an additional one-year renewal, of which the City did take advantage. An RFP yielded results from four firms, of which Tetra-Tech was rated the highest. The contract is again a three-year contract with the option to renew for an additional year. The contract may be cancelled at any time for breach of contract of for convenience. Mr. Olson advised the Council that the City never had to use the previous contract, and therefore never had to pay for any services; payment is only required if the City has to utilize the services.

Motion was made by Councilwoman Young, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem King to award the contract for debris monitoring services to Tetra-Tech. Those voting in favor of the motion were: Spence, Walton, Caudle, King, Hummer, Horton, Young, and Adkins. Against: None. Motion carried.

d. Consideration – Award Contract for Debris Management and Removal; City Manager Olson pointed out that this was somewhat of a companion item to the previous one for debris monitoring services. An RFP was issued on July 31, 2019, which yielded eight responses. He stated that Phillip & Jordan, Inc. was the highest rated bidder, following the evaluation. As with the debris monitoring contract, the debris management contract would also be for three years, with a one-year renewal option.

Motion was made by Councilwoman Young, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem King to award the contract for debris management and recovery services to Phillip & Jordan, Inc. Those voting in favor of the motion were: Spence, Walton, Caudle, King, Hummer, Horton, Young, and Adkins. Against: None. Motion carried.

e. Consideration – Call for a Public Hearing- TA 01-19 to Amend the UDO; Assistant City Manager Angela Cole was called upon to brief the Council on the request at hand. Mrs. Cole stated that the proposed changes to the UDO included a maximum height of 199 feet be established on new towers; City authority, when necessary to relocate telecommunication facilities in public rights-of-way at applicant/owner’s expense; require a Radio Frequency Emission Certification with application; a minimum setback requirement

for existing structures of 110% of the height of the tower; and clarification that measurements be from the tower site as opposed to the property line. Mrs. Cole stated that in order to make the necessary changes in the UDO, a public hearing would be required. Motion was made by Councilwoman Young, seconded by Councilwoman Hummer to call for a Public Hearing to amend the UDO. Those voting in favor of the motion were: Spence, Walton, Caudle, King, Hummer, Horton, Young, and Adkins. Against: None. Motion carried.

f. Consideration – Call for a Public Hearing – AIA Infrastructure; Mayor Parker recognized City Manager Olson to give an overview on the item. Mr. Olson stated that the Public Utilities Department wished to apply to the NC Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water Infrastructure for a potential Asset and Inventory Grant. He advised that the AIA grant would help the department better identify and prioritize sewer repairs, as well as background data to help support future grants for line replacements. He pointed out that the maximum grant amount was $150,000, which is what Public Utilities would be applying for; this would require a 5% match, which included a 1.5% grant fee and 3.5% in either cash or in-kind services for a total of $7,500.

Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem King, seconded by Councilwoman Young to call for a public hearing on September 23, 2019. Those voting in favor of the motion were: Spence, Walton, Caudle, King, Hummer, Horton, Young, and Adkins. Against: None. Motion carried.

8. Comments and Inquiries on Non-Agenda Items:

Councilman Spence thanked the employees for their work during the hurricane and the citizens for their patience while their power was being restored. Councilman Walton asked if the TASCO answering service was still being utilized by the Customer Service Department. Mr. Olson replied that it was, but he and members of staff were evaluating whether or not it should be eliminated. Councilman Walton noted he thought it might no longer be worth the while. He inquired of the Mayor if College Day was still in the works. Mayor Parker stated that Councilwoman Young had explained that the students were just returning to school and have not had a chance to get it together. Mayor Parker yielded to Councilwoman Young, who informed Councilman Walton that the students were moving the event to the spring instead of September, since they felt they were too short on time to pull off such a big event that soon. Councilman Walton added that maybe the next Council should consider moving on without a Finance Committee since the meeting went by so quickly and without difficulties without it. Councilman Caudle echoed Councilman Spence’s sentiments and thanked the City staff for their work during the hurricane. Councilman Adkins had no further comments. Councilwoman Young thanked City employees for the speed in which they were able to reconnect power during the hurricane. Councilman Horton opined that it was a blessing that the storm wasn’t as bad as predicted and he thanked City staff for their work. He asked if there were any emails sent out on the day of the storm. City Manager Olson stated that pre-storm emails had gone out, but nothing was distributed on the day of the storm other than the FYI. Councilwoman Hummer also thanked City employees and the departments who had worked during the storm in such dangerous conditions. She noted that the City had been very fortunate and avoided the worst of the storm. She pointed out that the street crews who had picked up debris prior to the storm had helped a lot in keeping the streets very clean. She also mentioned that several contractors needed to be advised of City policies. Mr. Olson noted that if contractors are hired to remove a tree, they are also supposed to haul it to a landfill. Mayor Pro Tem King concurred with Councilwoman Hummer’s observation that the street crews had done a great job keeping everything clean prior to the storm.

Mayor Parker reiterated how pleased she was with City employees and the directors. She noted they worked “in concert with one another and that’s how you get things done.” She also commended City Manager Olson and Assistant City Manager Cole for their efforts in coordinating storm preparedness. She thanked everyone for attending the meeting and bid everyone a good night.

9. Adjournment: There being no further business to be discussed, Mayor Parker adjourned the meeting at 8:28 p.m.

_______________________________ Bettie J. Parker Mayor

_____________________________ April D. Onley City Clerk

september 9, 201981cf1c17-216a-4959-be57... · city council regular session september 9, 2019 the...

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