April 2, 2007

 

The City Council of the City of Raeford met in regular session on Monday, April 2nd, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in the James B. McLeod Council Chambers of Raeford City Hall.  The following members of the City Council were present:  Mayor John K. McNeill, III, Councilman Eddie McNeill, Councilman John Jordan, Councilman Robert L. Conoly, Councilman James B. McLeod and Councilman Mary Neil King.

 

Also present were: Richard Douglas, City Manager; Betty Smith, City Clerk; William Fields, City Attorney; Dale Teal, Finance Officer; Johnny Melton, Public Works Director; Kevin Locklear, Chief of Police; Jim Lewis, GIS Technician; Terry Tapp, Fire Marshall; Roy Guinn, Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent and Bill Lindau, News Journal reporter.

 

CALLED TO ORDER

 

Mayor McNeill called the meeting to order.

 

INVOCATION

 

Councilman McLeod offered the invocation.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

Mayor McNeill led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

MARY ARCHIE MCNEILL

RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION

 

A motion was made by Councilman McNeill and seconded by Councilman Conoly to approve Resolution of Appreciation # 2007-07 recognizing Mary Archie McNeill for her eight years of service to the Raeford Redevelopment Commission.  The motion was unanimously carried.

 

Mayor McNeill and Steve Connell, Chairman of the Redevelopment Commission, made brief remarks honoring Mrs. McNeill.  Mayor McNeill presented Mary Archie a framed copy of the resolution.

 

Resolution 2007-07 is as follows:

 

 

RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION

 

MARY ARCHIE MCNEILL

FOR HER SERVICE TO THE

RAEFORD REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

 

 

            WHEREAS, Mary Archie McNeill has served the City of Raeford and its citizens as a member of the Raeford Redevelopment Commission for eight years, from December 6, 1999 until February 12, 2007; and

 

     WHEREAS, the City of Raeford has been fortunate to have had the services of Mary Archie who has provided leadership for the betterment of all of the citizens of the City; and

      WHEREAS, Mary Archie McNeill’s leadership and dedication to numerous community and civic organizations have been positive and valuable contributions to the development and growth of the City of Raeford; and

 

            WHEREAS, Mary Archie McNeill expressed a strong determination to preserve the special qualities of Raeford that attract and retain residents and visitors to Raeford, while at the same time providing for the well managed development that would produce growth in Raeford; and

 

            WHEREAS, throughout her long career of public service, Mary Archie has earned the respect, admiration, and high regard of all those with whom she has come into contact.

 

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Raeford City Council and the Raeford Redevelopment Commission that this Resolution of Appreciation be presented to Mary Archie McNeill in acknowledgement of her service and interest in good government in Raeford and in the State of North Carolina.  We recognize the service of Mary Archie McNeill and commend her for the manner in which she has carried out her responsibilities and duties as a member of the Raeford Redevelopment Commission.

 

Presented this 2nd day of April in the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand and Seven.

 

 

_____________________________                          __________________________

STEVE CONNELL, CHAIRMAN                                       JOHN K. MCNEILL, III

RAEFORD REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION             MAYOR

 

RECESS DECLARED

 

Mayor McNeill declared a 5 minute recess to allow everyone to congratulate Mrs. McNeill.

 

MEETING RECONVENED

 

Mayor McNeill declared the regular meeting to be back in session.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

Mayor McNeill presented the consent agenda and asked if any item should be removed before calling for action. 

 

A motion was made by Councilman McNeill to approve consent items IV. 1 through IV. 7.  The motion was seconded by Councilman Conoly and unanimously carried.

 

The consent items appear below:

 

IV.        1.  Approved regular minutes of March 5, 2007.

2.  Approved Town of McDonald as a member of the Lumber River Council of

     Governments effective May 1, 2007.

3.  Approved Budget Amendment #17, 18 and 19 as follows:

 

 

 

 

BUDGET AMENDMENT 17

 

This Budget Amendment is necessary to fund the City’s part of the preliminary engineering report/capacity study for the city wastewater treatment plant which was approved by the City Council March 5, 2007.

 

FUND             DESCRIPTION                                            DEBIT           CREDIT

 

31-812-47        Engineering Report/Capacity Study               29,500.00

 

31-371-03        Surcharge Revenues (City Share)                                           14,500.00

31-373-04        Hoke County Contribution to Study                                      15,000.00

 

BUDGET AMENDMENT 18

 

This Budget Amendment is necessary to fund the contamination study by EHC (Thomas Ammons) which was approved at the February City Council Meeting.

 

FUND             DESCRIPTION                                            DEBIT           CREDIT

 

10-505-0045    Contracted Services-Ammons                        25,000.00

 

10-300-0001    Fund Balance Appropriated                                                   25,000.00

 

BUDGET AMENDMENT 19

 

This Budget Amendment is necessary to purchase the used police car vehicle approved at the March city council meeting.

 

FUND             DESCRIPTION                                            DEBIT           CREDIT

 

10-510-0074    Police Capital Outlay                                      12,000.00

 

      10-300-0001    Fund Balance Appropriated                                                   12,000.00

 

  1. Approved the following Capital Projects Budget Ordinance:

 

CAPITAL PROJECTS BUDGET ORDINANCE

Thomasfield/College Drive Sewer Project

Fund 66

April 2007

 

PROJECT EXPENDITURES

 

The Wooten Company (Sewer Design)          66-810-0001                            $42.000.00

W/S Contribution to Fund 66                         31-720-0095                            $42,000.00

 

PROJECT REVENUES

 

W/S Fund Contribution                                  66-397-0001                            $42,000.00

W/S Fund Appropriation                                31-300-0001                            $42,000.00

 

5.      Approved authorizing the tax collector to advertise the unpaid 2006 tax liens in the newspaper for one week during the month of April, 2007 according to G.S. 105-369 (a).

6.      Approved Resolution #2007-10 authorizing the City Manager to dispose of property at a public auction on Saturday, June 2nd, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at the City Garage. 

 

RESOLUTION # 2007-10

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF

CERTAIN PERSONAL PROPERTY AT PUBLIC AUCTION

 

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Raeford desires to dispose of certain surplus personal property of the City;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council that:

 

1.                  The following described personal property is hereby declared to be surplus to the needs of the City:

 

                 Quantity      Description                                                                                   Serial No.

 

      1                 1991 Chevy Van                                                                        1GCHP3219M33088424

      1                 2001 Leaf Machine                                                                   LCT 600

      1                 1983 Ford Utility Truck                                                             AFDJF37Y68NA4594

      1                 1994 Tymco Sweeper                                                                1FDXR72C1RVA14683

      1                 AM Brunin PD 178 Copier                                                       C.O.R. 906

      2                 Woods mowers                                                                           C.O.R. 2307 542464S, 13620 W2695S

      2                 Stihl FS 85 Weedeaters (C.O.R. #’s 4799 13??)                    255078378 & 244971844

      1                 Tyco Rod machine                                                                    L891734-Sev (C.O.R. 1801)

      1                 500+ feet curbing form (Min. $1,000.00 Bid)

                                         Miscellaneous computers, tables, etc.

      1                 Portable scaffold                                                                        C.O.R. #4788

      1                 1981 John Deere Tractor (2030)                                             272954T (C.O.R. 1182)

      1                 Husqvarna Weedeater                                                              50611605 (C.O.R. #4755)

      1                 Stihl 024A Chainsaw                                                 2192417

      1                 Homelite Chainsaw                                                                   4D2350349

      1                 2 Drawer File Cabinet

      1                 Computer Desk W/Side Work Area

                         Plastic File Trays

      1                 Small Computer Table

      1                 Laptop Computer (Damaged)

      1                 4 Drawer File Cabinet

                         Several Notebook Binders

      1                 Copier

      2                 Typewriters

      2                 Fax Machine

      1                 Printer

      1                 Box Miscellaneous Wiring

      1                 Pager System

      1                 Adding Machine

      1                 Box Leather Holsters

                                         Fax Roller Paper

      1                 Vertical File Cabinet

      1                 Air Purifier

      1                 Box Miscellaneous Office Equipment

      3                 Computers CPU

      1                 Polaroid Camera

      2                 Chargers Base Units

                         Monitors, Computers

      1                 Weedeater

      1                 Yard Blower

      1                 Chain Saw

      1                 Zip Drive Large Metal Cabinet-2 Shelf

      2                 4 Drawer File Cabinets

      1                 Bookcase-3 shelves

      1                 Desk Chair

      1                 Compaq Computer/Monitor

      1                 Hewlett Packard 710C Printer

      1                 Hewlett Packard 1410 All in One Printer

      1                 Visioneer Scanner

      1                 Larger Animal Trap

      1                 Wall Mount Water Cooler

      1                 Computer Table                                        

 

2.                  The City Manager is authorized to receive on behalf of the City Council bids at public auction for the purpose of the described personal property.

3.                  The public auction will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at the Public Works Garage, 701 South Main Street.  The terms of sale shall be cash or approved check.

4.                  The City Clerk shall cause a notice of the public auction to be published in accordance with G.S. 160A-270 (b).

5.                  The highest bid if it complies with the terms of the sale may be accepted by the City Manager and the sale consummated.

6.                  Mayor, City Council, City Manager and City Department Heads are not eligible bidders on any item, but all other City employees may bid at said sale.

 

Adopted this the 2nd day of April, 2007.

 

 

ATTEST:                                                                                 CITY OF RAEFORD

 

_________________________                                              ____________________________

BETTY SMITH, CITY CLERK                                            JOHN K. MCNEILL,III, MAYOR

 

 

7. Accepted the monthly reports as submitted.

 

PUBLIC HEARING

2007-2008 BUDGET

CITIZEN COMMENTS

 

A motion was made by Councilman King and seconded by Councilman Jordan to open a public hearing to allow any citizen present to comment on the 2007-2008 upcoming budget.  This hearing was held in accordance with G. S. 159-12b.  The motion was unanimously carried.

 

The following individuals spoke in behalf of budgeting improvements (painting, new equipment, repair ball fields, basketball court and horseshoe pits and benches) to Robbin Heights Park:  Mary Fowler and Rosa McAllister McRae (with letter from Pastor Pedro Billinger of God’s Deliverance for All People).

 

 

 

 

 

DOWNTOWN PARKING

 

Mayor McNeill introduced Jason Epley of N.C. Dept. of Commerce who presented a slide presentation on potential ways to address parking in the downtown area.  Mr. Epley addressed such solutions as requiring employees to park off Main Street, better utilitized parking lots and a possible joint management of parking behind the buildings on East Main Street. Mr. Epley discouraged using the entire old hotel site for a parking lot due to its visability, marketing ability and general ability to handle vehicles. Mr. Epley encouraged the council to consider an in-depth parking plan for the downtown area to address future needs. 

Mr. Epley answered questions from the council and audience.

 

No action was taken on this matter.

 

ANNEXATION REQUEST

WILLIAM AND BECKY JOHNSON

 

A petition of request for annexation was received for voluntary annexation by William and Becky Johnson at 201 Will Johnson Road. 

 

After discussion, a motion was made by Councilman Conoly and seconded by Councilman McNeill to approve Resolution #2007-08 directing the city clerk to investigate the efficiency of this petition. 

 

Resolution #2007-08 follows:

 

#2007-08

 

RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE CLERK TO INVESTIGATE

A PETITION RECEIVED UNDER G.S. 160A-31

 

RE:  WILLIAM AND BECKY JOHNSON

201 WILL JOHNSON ROAD

 

WHEREAS, a petition requesting annexation of the area described in said petition has been received on April 2nd, 2007 by the City Council and

 

WHEREAS, G.S. 160A-31 provides that the sufficiency of the petition shall be investigated by the City Clerk before further annexation proceedings may take place; and

 

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Raeford deems it advisable to proceed in response to this request for annexation;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Raeford, North Carolina:

 

That the City Clerk is hereby directed to investigate the sufficiency of the above-described petition and to certify as soon as possible to the City Council the results of her investigation.

 

 

 

Dated this the 2nd day of April, 2007.

 

 

 

                                                                                    _______________________

                                                                                    JOHN K. MCNEILL, III

MAYOR

 

 

ATTEST:

 

 

____________________________

BETTY SMITH

CITY CLERK

 

The motion was unanimously carried.

 

REVISED WATER AND SEWER UTILITY ORDINANCE

 

Mayor McNeill tabled the Water and Sewer Utility Ordinance until the May meeting to allow additional time for attorney review.

 

COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS

CODE ENFORCEMENT AGREEMENT

 

The City Manager presented a proposal to contract with the Lumber River Council of Governments to use their Code Enforcement Officer to assist city staff with enforcement of minimum housing standards, nuisance properties, junk vehicles and other code enforcement issues at a rate of $53.34 per hour (plus mileage and a $500.00 annual retainer fee). 

 

After a discussion on the need for additional personnel and the need to contract prior to the new fiscal year, Councilman Conoly made a motion to enter into agreement with Lumber River Council of Governments for the use of their Code Enforcement Officer for the remainder of the 2006-2007 budget year at a cost not to exceed $2,000. The motion was seconded by Councilman McLeod and approved with a vote of 4 to 1, with Councilman Jordan opposing.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

The following persons spoke during the public comment period:

 

Shelley Wilburn - 114-D North Main Street (Chatter Box Café) thanked the council of their efforts in improving downtown, but was concerned with a response given by the City Manager on the parking situation behind her business, indicating that the City Manager was rude and sarcastic.

 

Dickie Lippard – 130 N. Main Street stated that employee parking on Main Street continues to be a problem and requests that the city council re-install the 2 hour parking signs.

 

Charles Fields – 112 N. Main Street thanked the City Manager for sending letters to merchants concerning employee parking, but indicated that employee parking continues to be a problem. Mr. Fields suggested placing 2 hour signs on the bases not used for lights.

 

Dorothy Kinlaw - 124 N. Main Street requested that the city enforce the 2 hour parking.

 

Mayor McNeill closed the public comment period by stating that the council would continue to address these concerns.

 

COUNCILMAN’S REPORTS

 

Councilman McNeill commended the public works department for outstanding maintenance of the cemetery grounds.  Also he commended Officer Hall for his work in the downtown area.

 

Councilman Conoly warned that residents should be careful of driveway paving scams.

 

CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT

 

City Attorney asked for an executive session for the purpose of attorney-client privilege and contract.

 

MAYOR’S REPORTS

 

Mayor McNeill asked that Jim Perry of the Lumber River Council of Governments attend the May council meeting for the purpose of discussing the next steps in Phase II of annexation.

 

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

 

City Manager gave the following report:

 

  1. Credit card system is now being used in the collections office in city hall.
  2. Phase I of the Burlington Water Expansion project is well underway.
  3. Pre-construction meetings for Phase II and III will be held this week.
  4. Planning Board instructed city staff to review ordinances regarding street vendors.
  5. N.C. Arts Council funds have been provided by Hoke County to hold a musical event at the Hoke County Library on May 4th, 2007 at 5:30 p.m.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

A motion was made by Councilman McNeill and seconded by Councilman Jordan to enter into executive session for the purpose of attorney-client privilege and contract.  The motion was unanimously carried.

 

5 MINUTE RECESS DECLARED

 

Mayor McNeill declared a 5 minute recess before entering into executive session.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

A motion was made by Councilman Jordan and seconded by Councilman McNeill to adjourn the April 2nd, 2007 meeting.  The motion was unanimously carried.

 

 

 

____________________________                                        ________________________

BETTY SMITH                                                                      JOHN K. MCNEILL, III

CITY CLERK                                                                                    MAYOR