Monday, March 2, 2009 – 7:00 p.m.
Attendance: Mayor Larry McMahon, Mayor Pro Tem James Lilly, Commissioners Beverly Johnson, Alphonzo Rush, Henry Thompson, Sr., Harold Thompson, Town Administrator Dwight Smith, Town Clerk Pam Lisenby, Police Chief Randy Smith, Zoning Officer Virgil Hinson
Absent: Director of Field Operations Mike Thompson, Fire Chief Tim Huneycutt
The regular monthly meeting of the Norwood Town Council was held on Monday, March 2, 2009 at the Norwood Town Hall. Mayor Larry McMahon called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., welcomed the one visitor and prayed.
Under Public Concerns, the following person spoke:
1) Sam Songer of Berry Hill Drive stated to the Town, “I’d like to ask if you ever vote again to bring anyone in the town limits that you have everything ready before bringing them in,” adding that his area still did not have all the town services.
Songer also reminded Administrator Smith about the manhole covers on Pee Dee Avenue.
Administrator Smith stated to Songer that his area was annexed four or five years ago and that, shortly after the date of annexation, a letter was written to the Town engineers to begin planning the sewer system and the funds were made available to pay for these improvements. Smith said if Songer wanted to “fuss” at anyone, it should be NCDENR or the engineers.
Songer said he was not fussing—just making a suggestion.
Mayor McMahon stated that the area had garbage collection, water, fire and police protection, adding “This Board has done everything under God’s name”.
Regarding the manhole covers on Pee Dee Avenue, Administrator Smith stated the Maintenance Department had looked at the situation twice. Smith said the manhole covers had ½ inch drops, but if one-inch risers were inserted, the covers would then rise above the road, causing them to “pop off” more than if they were low.
Songer stated that the one manhole cover close to Chip’s convenience store was close to two inches deep.
Songer ended by saying, “Ya’ll doing a good job.”
Mayor McMahon called for a motion to accept the Consent Agenda as follows:
1) The minutes of the February 2, 2009 regular meeting of the Norwood Town Council were
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approved on a motion by Commissioner Henry Thompson, seconded by Commissioner Rush, and passed 5-0.
2) The minutes of the February 12, 2009 special meeting of the Norwood Town Council were approved on a motion by Commissioner Henry Thompson with the exception that the Supplemental Development and Sewer Extension Agreement was declared invalid by Town Attorney Mike Taylor. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Rush and passed 5-0.
3) A budget update was accepted on a motion by Commissioner Henry Thompson, seconded by Commissioner Rush, and passed 5-0.
4) A treasurer’s report was accepted on a motion by Commissioner Henry Thompson, seconded by Commissioner Rush, and passed 5-0.
Mayor McMahon called for a motion to enter a public hearing. Mayor Pro Tem Lilly so moved, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. The motion passed 5-0.
AGENDA ITEMS
AGENDA ITEM #1 – SUPPLEMENTAL DEVELOPMENT AND SEWER EXTENSION AGREEMENT – EDGEWATER SOUTH
Administrator Smith stated that Attorney Mike Taylor had informed him on the day after the Norwood Town Council had passed the Supplemental Development and Sewer Extension Agreement that a public hearing was not included and the amendment was invalid.
Smith stated the public hearing had been duly advertised this time.
Both Administrator Smith and Mayor McMahon stated this agreement had been “beat to death”.
With no public comment offered, Mayor McMahon called for a motion to close the public hearing and re-enter regular session. Commissioner Henry Thompson so moved, seconded by Commissioner Rush. The motion passed 5-0.
Back in regular session, Mayor McMahon called for a motion to adopt the Supplemental Development and Sewer Extension Agreement between Town of Norwood, Hilda Snuggs, Lake Tillery Partners, LLC and Edgewater Developers, Inc. Commissioner Harold Thompson so moved, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. The motion passed 5-0. A copy of the said agreement is attached to these minutes and made a part thereof.
AGENDA ITEM #2 – PUBLIC HEARING – ZONING MAP CHANGE REQUEST – KIM TOBIAS
Administrator Smith stated this agenda item had been advertised for 7:30 p.m. and should be held until that time.
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AGENDA ITEM #3 – AGREEMENT WITH STANLY COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS
Administrator Smith presented a Contract Regarding the Conduct of Municipal Elections between Town of Norwood and Stanly County Board of Elections regarding the upcoming municipal election in November. Smith added that the Board needed to name the voting place(s) and set the filing fees for the Mayor and Board seats.
Commissioner Johnson said she had a problem with holding the election at Memorial Baptist Church because they allowed no campaigning. Johnson added she felt voters needed to meet the candidates.
Administrator Smith said the Community Building could be used and would be sufficient for both voting precincts during a municipal election.
Commissioner Harold Thompson asked if using the old water plant building for East Center and the Community Building for West Center would cut any costs.
Mayor Pro Tem Lilly made a motion to authorize Mayor McMahon to sign the Contract Regarding the Conduct of Municipal Elections and to conduct all voting at the Norwood Community Building during the November, 2009 municipal election. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. A copy of the said Contract is attached to these minutes and made a part thereof.
AGENDA ITEM #4 – BUDGET AMENDMENT
Administrator Smith stated that sewer had become a “nightmare”, adding that the Eastover Pump Station had experienced another spill.
Smith presented a budget amendment to accept Eastover Pump Station Money Market funds at Suntrust Bank into the Enterprise Fund budget to cover maintenance and repair expenses incurred at Eastover Pump Station, Barrel Road Pump Station and Lee Road Pump Station.
Commissioner Harold Thompson made a motion to approve the attached budget amendment, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. The motion passed 5-0.
AGENDA ITEM #5 – BERRY HILL AND EDGEWATER SEWER LINE
Administrator Smith stated that the Town of Norwood was in a “hard position” regarding the proposed Lake Shore Pump Station. Smith said the Preliminary Engineering Report for the first leg of the sewer extension project had been approved, but because the funds were to be borrowed from State Loans & Grants, the project could not be put on the “Fast Track”. Smith explained that the Fast Track involved paying an additional $3,000-$5,000 and getting things moving in two to three weeks.
Smith suggested removing the Lake Shore Pump Station and line coming from the pump station to the manhole on Parker Circle from the Berry Hill project and paying for it with a lease-purchase for approximately $250,000. Meanwhile, continued Smith, the Preliminary Engineering Project would be going on to do the first leg of Berry Hill. Smith said this would have no effect on the money to be borrowed from the State. Smith said he had met with Bank of Stanly officials
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who were “encouraging” regarding the lease-purchase, but he would need to meet with Local Government Commission officials on 3/4/09 at 10:00 a.m. to seek approval.
Smith said he had spoken with Chambers Engineering and Koonce, Noble & Associates and that both engineering firms wanted to bid the project. Smith added that if Chambers Engineering did the Fast Track application, the $3,000-$5,000 would be paid by Edgewater, but if Koonce, Noble & Associates prepared it, Town of Norwood would be responsible for this fee.
Smith added he hoped to attach the proposed lease-purchase to the existing Bank of Stanly lease-purchase and refinance to get a lower interest rate.
After discussion, Commissioner Henry Thompson made a motion to remove the Lake Shore Pump Station and 3,000-4,000 feet of the Lake Shore sewer line on Indian Mound Road going from the proposed Lake Shore Pump Station to a manhole on Parker Circle from the Berry Hill sewer project. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion and it passed 5-0.
With the time then being after 7:30 p.m., Mayor McMahon called for a motion to enter a second public hearing. Commissioner Henry Thompson so moved, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. The motion passed 5-0.
AGENDA ITEM #2 – PUBLIC HEARING – ZONING MAP CHANGE REQUEST – KIM TOBIAS
Zoning Officer Virgil Hinson presented a request from Kim Tobias for an amendment to the zoning map to change the zoning of his property at 410 North Main Street (across from Bojangle’s) from General Business to Conditional Use District Zoning. Hinson added that Tobias had not been successful at getting a business in the top floor of the building.
Zoning Officer Hinson said Tobias had also applied for a Conditional Use Permit to rent the upper floor of the building as an apartment (the lower floor is already rented as an apartment).
Commissioner Harold Thompson asked if Stanly County Inspections Department should get involved, adding he would hate to see the Town of Norwood grant this request and then residents have no way to get out of the building except through the front door. Commissioner Harold Thompson also expressed a concern about the wiring.
Zoning Officer Hinson stated that the advantages of Conditional Use District Zoning and a Conditional Use Permit were that conditions could be attached to address these concerns.
Administrator Smith suggested that these three items be addressed: 1) Inspection by Stanly County; 2) Loitering and “hanging around and drinking beer” at the house next door; and 3) Parking.
Police Chief Randy Smith was asked about the loitering and beer drinking next door and stated it was not unlawful as long as it was done on the private property and did not reach the sidewalk.
Commissioner Harold Thompson said he thought there should be two parking spaces for the upper level and two for the lower level.
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Administrator Smith suggested taking public comment tonight and waiting until the next month to consider any action, adding he thought Kim Tobias would do whatever the Board asked because he had an investment there with no revenue return.
Board members agreed that the renovations already done to the building by Tobias were a great improvement.
With no further public comment, Commissioner Henry Thompson made a motion to close the public hearing and return to regular session. Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion which passed 5-0.
Back in regular session, Administrator Smith suggested that Zoning Officer Hinson contact Kim Tobias about having the building inspected by the Stanly County Inspections Department.
Commissioner Henry Thompson made a motion to authorize Zoning Officer Hinson to contact Kim Tobias and have the building at 410 North Main Street inspected by Stanly County Inspections. The motion was seconded by Mayor Tem Lilly and passed 5-0.
AGENDA ITEM #6 – 2009-2010 BUDGET
Administrator Smith stated it was time to get busy on the 2009/2010 budget and gave the following suggestions: 1) increase water & sewer charges; 2) increase garbage pick-up by $1.00; 3) increase property taxes; 4) change insurance companies or require employees to pay a portion of charges; 5) reduce work force; 6) reduce pick up of leaves and household goods (will get a price from Waste Management on this service); and 7) continue to contract operations of the Water Plant.
Commissioner Rush asked how Norwood’s tax rate compared to other town of similar size. Administrator Smith said Norwood’s tax rate was higher.
Commissioner Harold Thompson said he would like to see the figure of Norwood’s worth with Edgewater and Edgewater South included before considering raising property taxes.
Administrator Smith said no figures had arrived yet as to State reimbursements or worth of Town, adding that these figures had normally arrived by this time of the year. Commissioner Harold Thompson called that “scary”, adding that the State may be planning to keep more of the reimbursements.
Administrator Smith suggested scheduling a few “working meetings” around the 1st of May to discuss the budget. Smith said this would be a “very difficult year”.
Mayor McMahon urged Board members and Administrator Smith to think hard before making changes to employee insurance.
AGENDA ITEM #7 – CONTRACT WITH HARTIGAN
Administrator Smith presented an Agreement between Hartigan Management Enterprises, Inc. and Town of Norwood to administer the grant for the Eastover Pump Station and asked if the Board wanted to continue with the grant.
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Commissioner Harold Thompson asked if Norwood could possibly get federal stimulus funds for this. Administrator Smith said that two projects had been submitted for stimulus funds: 1) Lake Shore/Berry Hill sewer extension - $2.8 million and 2) Eastover Pump Station - $2 million with $800,000 going to the Eastover Pump Station repairs and the remaining funds to replace old brick manholes in town.
Commissioner Harold Thompson asked when notification would be sent regarding awarding of the stimulus funds. Administrator Smith said “60 days”, adding that road projects would be first.
Administrator Smith suggested waiting a while to sign this Agreement with Hartigan because the Town would then owe him another $25,000.
Commissioner Harold Thompson made a motion to defer consideration until the regular Town Board meeting in April. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion and it passed 5-0.
AGENDA ITEM #8 – REFINANCING LEASE-PURCHASE FOR ALLENTON STREET, HARBOR, SOUTH STRAND, ACORN ACRES, ETC. AREA
Administrator Smith stated he would like to try to refinance the above lease-purchase agreement with Bank of Stanly, adding Norwood still owed $1.3 million and was paying 5.8% interest. Smith said Bank of Stanly officials were encouraging that the original lease-purchase could be amended and refinanced at 4.5%.
Smith said he would like to combine the present lease-purchase with the proposed one and get the lower rate, adding he would like to do an open lease-purchase up to a designated dollar amount. Smith said the present lease-purchase had a clause that it could not be paid off early.
Smith stated the present lease-purchase at Bank of Stanly had been sold to another company. Commissioner Harold Thompson asked how Bank of Stanly could combine the lease-purchases if they did not own one. Administrator Smith said he did not know.
Commissioner Henry Thompson made a motion to authorize Administrator Smith to move forward with the above transactions. Commissioner Rush seconded the motion and it passed 5-0.
AGENDA ITEM #9 – STANLY COUNTY SOLID WASTE PLAN – TEN-YEAR UPDATE
Administrator Smith presented a Solid Waste Management Plan Update July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2019 for Board review.
Commissioner Harold Thompson said he did not see that Norwood had any choice in the matter.
Several Board members asked Administrator Smith to check with City of Locust and see how their total solid waste management budget was so low.
Administrator Smith suggested eliminating the two trash carts provided to businesses.
Commissioner Harold Thompson made a motion to authorize Mayor McMahon to sign the Resolution to Approve the Stanly County Solid Waste Plan. Commissioner Henry Thompson seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. A copy of the said Resolution is attached to these minutes
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and made a part thereof.
BOARD CONCERNS
Commissioner Johnson stated she had passed along some information on community gardens to Administrator Smith and would like to see a group in town take this on as a project.
Administrator Smith stated to Commissioner Harold Thompson that he had called again about the telephone pole.
Commissioner Harold Thompson stated that Kyle Josey had complained about dirty water at his house and his mother’s house on South Strand Drive. Josey said there was a fire hydrant across from his house and the line had only been flushed once in four or five years.
Administrator Smith said that this was a dead-end line where the water did not circulate and was supposed to be bled on a regular basis. Smith said he would check on this.
Mayor McMahon announced a breakfast with the Chamber at Stanly Regional Medical Center on March 23 from 7:15 – 9:00 a.m. with Purcell, Burr and Kissell.
Mayor McMahon read a letter from Evelyn Davis regarding a sidewalk from Barringer Chapel Road to Acorn Acres Road. The letter is attached to these minutes and made a part thereof.
Commissioner Harold Thompson asked if the two-hour parking signs in the municipal parking lot and the no parking signs at the elementary school could be removed since they are not enforced.
Mayor McMahon reported that Commissioners Rush and Henry Thompson both have driveway problems caused by road work that need to be repaired.
ADMINISTRATOR’S UPDATE
Administrator Smith presented the following items to the Board:
1) Bryan Bowles, Norwood Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator in Responsible Charge, will also be back-up ORC at Mt. Gilead.
2) An individual was caught fishing at the park and his rods and reels taken.
3) Administrator Smith will be on vacation March 12-13.
4) Administrator Smith asked for verification that Town of Norwood would no longer donate funds to any sports team or purchase uniforms for play-offs.
It was the consensus of the Board that this was correct. Commissioner Harold Thompson suggested sending letters to the leagues now regarding this change so they would not be expecting town assistance.
5) Donations for Arbor Day are coming in very slowly.
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6) Norwood should be able to provide fire service to Edgewater South since it is within five miles of the Norwood Fire Department.
7) A “hold” has been placed on all departmental spending except regular maintenance (gas, oil, etc.).
8) The 2008/2009 Town of Norwood General Fund budget is doing well, while the Enterprise Fund budget is running behind.
9) Board members were presented a current code enforcement report from John Ganus.
10) First Baptist Church on Anson Avenue has asked to install a street light on Blalock Street to light up the church parking lot. Smith said the light would also light up the Norwood parking lot. No objections were voiced.
11) An e-mail was presented regarding progress on Berry Hill water.
12) Smith said he was still working on the “on-call” status of employees at the Warehouse, but no recent problems had arisen.
13) Mayor McMahon and Commissioner Henry Thompson reported briefly on the recent Broadband meeting they attended, stating it was “very expensive” and had cost Salisbury $25 million.
14) Commissioner Harold Thompson reported on the RPO, stating there would be a meeting on the 19th with representatives from Air Quality. Commissioner Thompson will get more particulars to Clerk Lisenby.
15) Commissioners Johnson and Rush reported for the gazebo committee stating there had been only a few responses to the newsletter article asking for ideas on entertainment. Commissioner Johnson said the gazebo activities would be weekly during the spring and summer months.
16) Regarding easements for Edgewater, only two have been signed with Attorney Bob Odom working on Progress Energy. Smith asked Board members what they thought about condemning the remaining easement areas. Smith said he was contacted last week by Jimmy Snuggs asking how many $6,000 sewer taps would be given to the Snuggs’.
17) Plans for the bridge of the sidewalk to Mary-Branch Road have been sent to NCDOT for approval. The project will hopefully be bid this spring.
18) Regarding Arbor Day, the rule in the past has been to allow no food to be sold except by churches because of Center Rural Fire Department’s barbecue. Smith asked if Board members wanted to continue this practice.
Commissioner Harold Thompson said if food vendors were interested in coming, “let them come”. Board members agreed.
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19) Senator Purcell called Administrator Smith to say that the bill was being introduced to the governmental committee tomorrow concerning voluntary annexation. Purcell stressed to Administrator Smith that if the bill did not pass, it was not because he (Purcell) had not tried. Smith stated that Purcell was a “true gentleman” and that the climate was not good for annexation issues.
With no further business to discuss, Mayor McMahon called for a motion to close the meeting at 9:10 p.m. Commissioner Harold Thompson so moved, seconded by Commissioner Rush. The motion passed 5-0.
LARRY McMAHON Mayor
PAM LISENBY, Clerk