Tuesday’s Board of Aldermen meeting agenda. Highlights: Duffyfield Phoenix Project presentation, budget public hearing, Community Development Block Grant public hearing.
CITY OF NEW BERN
BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING
MAY 22, 2018 – 6:00 P.M.
CITY HALL COURTROOM
300 POLLOCK STREET
Note: Links expire when the next agenda gets posted. Also, we were having trouble following links; the city website seems to be experiencing a slowdown today.
1. Meeting opened by Mayor Dana E. Outlaw. Prayer Coordinated by Alderman Best. Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Roll Call.
Consent Agenda
3. Considering Approving a Proclamation for the Folds of Honor.
On Saturday, June 9, 2018, the Emerald Golf Club will offer golfers the opportunity to honor the sacrifice of American Heroes by participating in Patriot Golf Day, the primary fundraiser for the Folds of Honor Foundation. The Foundation provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members. (See Backup)
4. Consider Adopting a Resolution to Close the 200-300 Blocks of Middle Street and 300-400 Blocks of Pollock Street on November 4, 2018 for MERCI on Middle.
(Ward 1) Gary Curry, Event Coordinator, and Beth Cooper, Executive Director of MERCI Clinic, have requested the 200-300 blocks of Middle Street and 300-400 blocks of Pollock Street be closed on Sunday, November 4, 2018 from 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m. for MERCI on Middle. This is a fundraising event to benefit MERCI Clinic. A memo from Foster Hughes, Director of Parks and Recreation, is attached along with a copy of the application. (See Backup)
5. Approve Minutes.
Minutes from the budget work sessions on May 1-2, 2018 and the regular meeting on May 8, 2018 are provided for review and approval.
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6. Presentation by the Duffyfield Phoenix Project.
As discussed at the May 8, 2018 regular meeting, representatives of the Duffyfield Phoenix Project will make a presentation about their mission and plans.
7. Conduct a Public Hearing on the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2018-19.
The recommended budget for FY2018-19 was distributed to the Board on April 24, 2018, at which time the highlights were reviewed by the City Manager. The budget has been made available for public inspection in the City Clerk’s office, at the New Bern-Craven County Library, and on the City’s website. Budget workshops were conducted on May 1st, 2nd and 14th, all of which are open to the public. Additionally, an earlier public hearing was held on May 8thto receive comments at that time. It is anticipated the Board will consider approval of the budget at its June 12, 2018 meeting.
8. Conduct a Public Hearing on Financing the Drainage Improvements and Garage Relocation Projects and Consider Adopting a Resolution Authorizing the Financing.
Capital project funds have been established for the Drainage Improvements Project and the Garage Relocation Project. A request for proposal was issued on April 26, 2018 seeking financing proposals from 13 banks for a sum not to exceed $2,320,000. After reviewing the responses, PNC Bank offered the lowest finance charge for the life of the loan with an interest rate fixed at 3.34% with semi-annual, fixed-principal payments over a 10-year period beginning December 2018. Loan fees are not to exceed $6,750.
Because the two projects involve real property, borrowing must be approved by the Local Government Commission, and an application has been submitted. Additionally, a public hearing is required pursuant to NCGS §160A-20. A memo from J.R. Sabatelli, Director of Finance, is attached. (See Backup)
9. Conduct a Public Hearing and Consider Adopting a Resolution Approving the 2018-2019 CDBG Annual Action Plan.
The 2018-2019 CDBG Annual Action Plan provides a summary of actions, activities, and specific federal and non-federal resources to be used to address the needs and goals in the Strategic Plan section of the coming year’s Consolidated Plan. It also serves as the City’s application for funding under the Entitlement Cities program. The City’s allocation for 2018-19 is $242,771, which is an increase of $18,837 from 2017-18 funding. These funds will be utilized as follows: $48,500 for planning and administration, $30,271 for public services, $100,000 for minor housing rehabilitation, $32,000 for voluntary slum and blight removal, and $32,000 for assistance to Community Based Development Organization for construction of two new, affordable housing units. The proposed plan has been available for public review and comment since April 20, 2018 and will remain available through May 21, 2018. A memo from Landa Gaskins, Community Development Coordinator, is attached along with a copy of the plan. (See Backup)
10. Consider Adopting a Resolution Awarding a Contract for Rehabilitation and Site Improvements for the VOLT Center Project.
(Ward 1) Bids were received from three contractors for the rehabilitation and construction of the VOLT Workforce Development Center. All bids were certified by a third-party architectural and construction firm for responsiveness and completeness. Bruin Builders submitted the lowest bid at $2,310,000, and it is requested the City Manager be authorized to execute a contract with this vendor and approve any change orders within the budgeted project amount. A memo from Jeff Ruggieri, Director of Development Services, is attached. (See Backup)
11. Consider Adopting a Resolution Approving a Sewer-Use Agreement with Brice’s Creek Bible Church.
Brice’s Creek Bible Church plans to build a new facility at 4250 Highway 70 East, which is currently outside of New Bern’s city limits. The proposed development will have a calculated average daily sewer demand of 2,500 gallons. To facilitate the development, a standard sewer service connection can be provided to the property without the need for a sewer main extension. Section 74-74 of the City’s ordinances provides that any proposed development located out of New Bern’s city limits that is requesting water and sewer capacity shall be required to enter into a written water and sewer use agreement. The purpose of the agreement is to formally outline the roles and responsibilities of both parties in establishing service for the proposed development. A memo from Jordan Hughes, City Engineer, is attached. (See Backup)
12. Consider Adopting a Resolution Approving a Discretionary Fund Policy.
A policy has been drafted to establish guidelines for the Board’s discretionary or “special appropriation” funds. The funds must be utilized for an authorized public purpose. Additionally, the process for requesting the funds and approval of the expenditure is outlined in the policy. During an election year, incumbents may only expend 50% of their ward-appropriated funds prior to December 31st. The Board is asked to review the policy for consideration of approval. A brief memo from Mr. Sabatelli is attached. (See Backup)
13. Consider Adopting an Amendment to Article III “Noise” of Chapter 26 “Environment” of the Code of Ordinances.
In response to several issues encountered by citizens and an overall need to update the longstanding noise ordinance, an amendment is proposed to address specific concerns. The amendment essentially provides in C-1 and C-2 zoning districts that amplified, intensified or reproduction of human voice or sound is permissible from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and between 7 a.m. and 11 pm. on Friday and Saturdays, provided the sound is not clearly audible beyond 50’ from the perimeter of the zoning district. Scott Davis, City Attorney, will be available to answer any questions about the proposed amendment. (See Backup)
14. Consider Adopting an Ordinance Amending Chapter 70 “Traffic and Vehicles” of the Code of Ordinances.
Certain streets have been adopted into the city’s road system, and the City’s ordinance needs to be updated to reflect the additional traffic control devices, stop intersections and maximum speed limits for these streets. The proposed ordinance will reflect this information.
Of note, the Department of Public Works is performing a full audit of Section 70 “Traffic and Vehicles” of the ordinances and will report to the Board at a later time its findings and recommendations for any additional changes. A memo from Matt Montanye, Director of Public Works, is attached. (See Backup)
15. Appointment(s).
(a) Nancy Gray has resigned from the Historic Preservation Commission as a result of relocating to a different city. Alderman Kinsey is asked to make an appointment to fill this vacancy. Ms. Gray’s term will actually expire on May 15, 2018, so the appointee will start a new term instead of simply completing her existing term. (See Backup)
(b) The first tenure of the Community Development Advisory Committee (“CDAC”) is coming to an end, and the members’ terms will expire on June 30, 2018. Some have expressed a desire to be reappointed, while others have not. Each alderman is asked to consider reappointments or new appointments to represent their wards.
The following represents a list of the current CDAC appointees and a notation as to whether those appointees have expressed a desire for reappointment:
Ward 1: Corinne Corr (interested in reappointment)
Ward 2: Carol Williams (interested in reappointment)
Ward 3: Marshall Williams
Ward 4: Vernon Guion (interested in reappointment)
Ward 5: Dell Simmons
Ward 6: Mary Shepard
(See Backup)
16. Attorney’s Report.
17. City Manager’s Report.
18. New Business.
19. Closed Session.
20. Adjourn.
2018-05-21