MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE REIDSVILLE CITY COUNCIL
HELD WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2012 AT 3:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor James K. Festerman
Mayor Pro-Tem Tom Balsley
Councilman Donald L. Gorham
Councilman William Hairston Councilman Richard Johnson
Councilman Clark Turner Councilwoman Sherri G. Walker
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: NONE
CITY STAFF PRESENT: Michael J. Pearce, City Manager
Angela G. Stadler, CMC, City Clerk
David Bracken, Fire Chief
Chris Phillips, Assistant City Manager of Administration
Tom Wiggins, Assistant City Manager of Community Development/Parks & Recreation
Donna Setliff, Community Development Manager
Mayor Festerman called the meeting to order and asked Fire Chief David Bracken, who is pastor of Jerusalem Baptist Church in Spencer, NC, to give the invocation. The Mayor then recognized Bracken, who has received his doctorate degree. Bracken received a round of applause. The Mayor asked whether they should call him Chief, Reverend or Doctor? Bracken said to just call him “David.” The Mayor thanked the Fire Chief for his leadership within the community and the church.
Councilman Gorham said he was going to call Bracken “Chief Dr.” City Manager Pearce complimented Bracken for being an amazing person, for doing all he does and also getting his doctorate. He commented that he has memorized all of the Management Team members’ phone numbers because he calls them so often, but he has to look up David’s number. “That’s a good thing,” the City Manager said. He told Bracken he appreciated everything he does for the City. Councilman Hairston said he was extremely proud of Bracken and rejoiced in his accomplishments.
The Mayor then asked Chief Bracken to lead in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, which he did.
ANNOUNCEMENTS.
Passing of Officer Bennett’s Mother.
Mayor Festerman noted it was a sad day for the City family today due to the passing of Police Officer Nancy Bennett’s mother, Dorothy Trent. Some of the Council members had attended her funeral today, he noted. He offered Officer Bennett condolences on the loss of her mother.
The Mayor then recognized Councilwoman Sherri Walker, who was going to read the proclamation for Jess Moore.
RECOGNITIONS:
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JESS MOORE’S SERVICE TO HIS COMMUNITY AND COUNTRY.
Councilwoman Walker said she was so honored to be able to recognize “one of Reidsville’s finest” today. Stating this was “Jess Moore Day,” she then read aloud the proclamation honoring his service to the local community. (A COPY OF THE PROCLAMATION IS HEREIN INCORPORATED AND MADE A PART OF THESE MINUTES.) Questioning whether it was proper protocol or not, the Councilwoman said she was going to get a kiss from the honoree. Mr. Moore received a standing ovation. Mr. Moore talked of seeing City Council and how it brought up feelings greater than he could express. He said it reminded him of the first time he appeared before City Council as a young, nervous lawyer. By looking at the Council, he said he could see the fellowship here and knew that the leadership of Reidsville is in good hands. He thanked the City Council for this special day and received another standing ovation. Mayor Festerman noted that he had been going to the same church as Moore for many years, and they had taken a trip to the Gator Bowl together. He also stated that when he was a young police officer and he would meet up with Mr. Moore in court, Mr. Moore never appeared to be nervous then as he was “beating up” on him, which drew a round of laughter from the audience.
Mayor Festerman then called for a five-minute recess.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA.
Council then moved to the Consent Agenda. No items were pulled by Council members for further discussion.
Councilman Gorham made the motion, seconded by Councilwoman Walker and unanimously approved by Council in a 7-0 vote, to approve the Consent Agenda.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM NO. 1 -- APPROVAL OF THE MAY 9, 2012 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES.
With the approval of the Consent Agenda in a 7-0 vote, the Council approved the May 9, 2012 Regular Meeting Minutes.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM NO. 2 -- APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE COUNTY’S SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN.
With the approval of the Consent Agenda in a 7-0 vote, the Council approved the Resolution approving Rockingham County’s 10-Year Solid Waste Management Plan, which is updated every three years, as recommended by Pat Knowles, City Solid Waste Management Superintendent in a May 30th memo. (A COPY OF THE MEMO AND UPDATED PLAN ARE HEREIN INCORPORATED AND MADE A PART OF THESE MINUTES.)
The Resolution as approved follows:
Resolution to Approve the
Solid Waste Management Plan
Rockingham County Planning Area
July 1st, 2012 – June 30, 2022
WHEREAS, good planning for solid waste management will help protect public health and the environment, provide for improved solid waste management systems, better utilize our natural resources, and control the cost of solid waste management; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 130A-309.09A(b) requires each unit of local government, either individually or in cooperation with other units of local government, to develop a 10-year comprehensive solid waste management plan and to update the plan every three years; and
WHEREAS, the last plan update was approved in 2009 and an updated plan is required to be completed by June 30, 2012; and
WHEREAS, the City of Reidsville is represented on the Rockingham County Solid Waste Planning Committee and has actively been involved in the planning process;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Reidsville hereby approves the Rockingham County 2012 – 2022 Solid Waste Management Plan.
Adopted and effective this 13th day of June, 2012.
/s/____________________________________
James K. Festerman, Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/_____________________________________
Angela G. Stadler, CMC, City Clerk
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM NO. 3 -- APPROVAL OF A LAKE HUNT PASS FOR CITY EMPLOYEES.
With the approval of the Consent Agenda in a 7-0 vote, the Council approved Lake Hunt passes for City employees at a reduced flat fee of $20.00 as recommended and outlined in the May 31st memo from Nick Aceves, Assistant Director, Parks & Recreation. (A COPY OF THE MEMO IS HEREIN INCORPORATED AND MADE A PART OF THESE MINUTES.)
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM NO. 4 -- APPROVAL OF A BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT FOR AIR CONDITIONING REPAIRS AT THE PENN HOUSE.
With the approval of the Consent Agenda in a 7-0 vote, the Council approved the following Budget Ordinance Amendment for air conditioning repairs at the Penn House as requested by Judy Yarbrough, Penn House Manager in her June 1st memo (A COPY OF THE MEMO IS HEREIN INCORPORATED AND MADE A PART OF THESE MINUTES.)
Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 23 as approved follows:
BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 23
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Reidsville adopted a budget ordinance on June 8, 2011 which established revenues and authorized expenditures for fiscal year 2011-2012; and
WHEREAS, since the time of the adoption of said ordinance, it has become necessary to make certain changes in the City's budget to recognize deferred Penn House endowment funds to appropriated for air conditioning repairs at the Penn House;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Reidsville that the budget ordinance as adopted on June 8, 2011 is hereby amended as follows;
Section 1. That revenue account number 10-3834-7100, Penn house Endowment Funds, be increased by $8,000.00.
Section 2. That expense account number 10-6140-5800, Capital Improvements, be increased by $8,000.00.
This the 13th day of June, 2012.
/s/_____________________
James K. Festerman
Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/_____________________
Angela G. Stadler, CMC
City Clerk
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM NO. 5 -- APPROVAL OF THE SERVICES OF A HEALTH COACH FOR EMPLOYEES AS PART OF THE CITY’S WELLNESS PROGRAM WITH THE $30,000 TO BE PAID FROM THE INSURANCE FUND.
With the approval of the Consent Agenda in a 7-0 vote, the Council approved the services of a Health Coach as part of the City’s Wellness Program with the $30,000 cost coming from the City’s Insurance Fund as outlined in the City Manager’s memo dated June 5. (A COPY OF THE MEMO IS HEREIN INCORPORATED AND MADE A PART OF THESE MINUTES.)
- End of Consent Agenda -
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
CONSIDERATION OF A PROPOSED OPERATING BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012-2013 FOR THE ABC BOARD.
Mayor Festerman noted that State Statutes allow the local ABC Board to hold its public hearing for its 2012-2013 budget in this forum. He added that ABC Board member Denise Brady was on hand if necessary to answer any questions.
The Mayor opened the public hearing at 3:20 p.m. He asked if there was anyone who wished to speak in favor or against the ABC Board’s proposed budget? No one came forward, and the public hearing was closed at 3:21 p.m.
No further action had to be taken by the City.
CONSIDERATION OF A PROPOSED OPERATING BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012-2013 FOR THE CITY OF REIDSVILLE.
Mayor Festerman noted that there were several members of the Finance team here and the City Manager.
City Manager Michael Pearce, in his capacity as Budget Officer, informed Council that he was submitting a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2012-2013. He noted that they had held several work sessions in preparation of this budget, which had also been prepared in accordance with the North Carolina Budget and Fiscal Control Act. Copies have been made available for the public in the City Clerk’s Office and at the Public Library, he noted.
Pearce pointed out that our City budgets continue to be conservative. No services were deleted in this “hold the line” budget, he said. He noted that for the first time in several years, they are seeing some upticks in revenues and tax base. Since 2008-2009, this is the first year the sales tax is expected to see an increase, he said, adding that they are expecting to see some projections from the League of Municipalities’ office to that effect. The number of employees employed by the City has been reduced from 177 last year to 175 this year, he continued. While they are expecting revenues to go up, the revenue projections show an 8.75% decrease in the General Fund and a 16.69% decrease in the Parks & Recreation Fund. He said they have to present it that way in actual dollars, but when compared to last year’s numbers, it shows a downturn because last year’s numbers were amended and reflected budget transfers, grants received, etc. So while we are showing a decrease in revenues on paper, we are expecting an increase in actual dollars, Pearce continued.
Regarding capital, Pearce said when they started the budget process, he asked department heads last December for their capital needs for the next five years. He said he was looking for those requests that couldn’t be put off without a disruption in services. He said he didn’t see any except for some minor computer replacements and other minor replacements; therefore, this budget does not include any capital improvements at this point. However, once we get through this fiscal year and see what kind of financial shape we’re in, Pearce said he may take the opportunity to go over those requests again and see if there are any that shouldn’t be put off any longer. He said he might ask Assistant City Manager Chris Phillips to put together with him a financing plan to make sure we’re getting the “most bang for our buck.” He reiterated that he may be bringing back to City Council some of those capital requests after fiscal year 2011-2012 is closed out.
Pearce then reviewed some of the challenges he sees before the City in Fiscal Year 2012-2013 as follows:
· Finding a site for a new Senior Center. He said it appeared to be the consensus of Council that the Center not be relocated back to the basement of the gym facility on Franklin Street. Therefore, they would be looking at preparing a site plan and financing for a new Senior Center.
· Spillway Completion – Completing that project in the next fiscal year is planned and being able to fill the lake back up to normal levels.
· Water Treatment Plant improvements – Pearce noted that he has had several discussions with Council about the needed improvements at the WTP. Preliminary engineering is under way with CDM to make the plant up-to-date and as efficient as possible. They will be bringing final plans to Council later in the year.
· Wastewater Treatment Plant – He said this is pretty much the same message. There are some serious updates that need to be done at the WWTP, he said. He said the City needs to re-invest in the WWTP so that there will be no disruption of service and to meet state and federal deadlines. During this fiscal year, they will be bringing back to Council some final design plans. Preliminary engineering plans have already been started, he noted, and they will be looking at financial plans to make those improvements.
· Water/Sewer Distribution System – The City Manager talked of the planned replacement of water and sewer lines throughout the City. He reminded Council members of the major problem we have when we flush out the lines, that a buildup of materials in the lines causing a temporary discoloring of the water. He noted that they had discussed before a uni-directional flushing program and have done some testing on that. He said he will have a recommendation on that in the very near future.