CITY OF NEW BERN
BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING
NOVEMBER 28, 2017 – 7:00 P.M.
CITY HALL COURTROOM
300 POLLOCK STREET
1. Meeting opened by Mayor Dana E. Outlaw. Prayer Coordinated by Alderman Odham. Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Roll Call.
Consent Agenda
3. Consider Adopting a Resolution Closing Streets for the Jaycee’s Annual Christmas Parade.
(Ward 1) The Craven County Jaycees will hold its annual Christmas Parade on December 2, 2017. They have requested the 1400-1800 blocks of Trent Boulevard, 400 block of First Street, 300-1200 blocks of Broad Street, and 200-300 blocks of Craven Street be closed from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. They have also requested the south side of Broad Street and the 200-300 blocks of Craven Street be closed to parking from 12 a.m. until the conclusion of the parade. For additional information, please refer to the memo from Foster Hughes, Director of Parks and Recreation. (See Backup)
4. Approve Minutes.
Minutes from the November 14, 2017 regular meeting and November 21, 2017 work session are attached for review and approval. Also for approval are the following closed session minutes which were previously distributed to the Board: March 28, 2017, April 25, 2017, May 9, 2017, May 23, 2017, June 13, 2017, June 27, 2017, July 25, 2017, August 8, 2017, and October 17, 2017.
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5. Update on Grassroots Leadership Academy.
On behalf of the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, Tharesa Lee will provide an update on the Grassroots Leadership Academy, which just graduated its third class. (See Backup)
6. Consider Adopting a Resolution Dedicating the Martin Marietta Park.
(Ward 5) Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. has donated to the City 55 acres of land for the purpose of establishing and park and future amphitheater. This resolution will dedicate the property as a public park and formally name the park Martin Marietta Park. (See Backup)
7. Consider Adopting a Resolution Approving the Installation of Additional Street Lights on Goldsboro Street and at the Intersection of Queen and Roundtree Streets.
(Wards 1 and 5) Mr. Samuel Suggs has requested additional street lighting near 928 Queen Street near the intersection of Queen and Roundtree Streets, and Alderman Kinsey requested additional lighting in the 1300 block of Goldsboro Street. Upon evaluating these requests, it was determined the intersection of Queen and Roundtree Streets was in compliance with the standards for roadway lighting. However, the New Bern Police Department conducted a further evaluation and determined additional lighting would enhance public safety. The evaluation of Goldsboro Street revealed additional lighting is necessary in order to meet the City’s standards. The Electric Department has estimated costs associated with the installation of these lights to be $3,869.00. A monthly cost of $25.32 will be incurred by Public Works for the utility bills. Please refer to the attached memo from Carl Toler, Acting Director of Public Utilities, for any additional information. (See Backup)
8. Consider Adopting a Resolution Approving a Memorandum of Understanding with Craven Community College for a Simulator.
At the May 2, 2017 budget meeting, the Board discussed the benefits of a tactical simulator for the Police Department. Several meetings have since been held with Craven Community College and local law enforcement agencies (“LEA”) to discuss the interest and feasibility of a simulator. These agencies have expressed interest in contributing to and use of a judgmental use-of-force simulator. It is proposed the City enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Craven Community College to reduce to writing a mutual commitment to move forward with the endeavor, but without committing funds at this time. It is anticipated similar MOUs will be executed between New Bern and the other LEA who have expressed an interest. Those agencies include the Craven County Sheriff’s Department and police departments from Kinston, Havelock, Greenville, Winterville, Ayden, Goldsboro, and Wilson. The college has identified potential one-time funding for the simulator and is looking at options to house the equipment and offer associated courses. A memo from Kristen Culler, Assistant City Manager, is attached with additional information. (See Backup)
9. Consider Adopting a Resolution Approving an Amendment to Owner-Engineer Agreement for Phase III of Township 7 Sewer Improvements Project.
The project fund for Phase III of the Township No. 7 Sewer Improvements project was established and funded with $400,000.00 to begin the engineering design and required permitting. Subsequently, the City entered into a contract with Rivers and Association for $349,500.00 to complete this work. Due to a conflict with an upcoming project at the local airport, the proposed force main route is being realigned. This realignment increases the scope of the original project and requires additional surveying, mapping and design work. This additional work will cost $85,000.00, which was not included in the original contract price. An amended agreement with Rivers and Associates is presented to cover this increased cost. A memo from Jordan Hughes, City Engineer, is attached. (See Backup)
10. Consider Adopting an Amendment to the Township 7 Sewer Improvements Project Fund.
To cover the costs associated with the amended agreement with Rivers and Associates for Phase III of the Township 7 Sewer Improvements, a budget amendment is necessary to increase the project fund from $400,000.00 to $450,000.00. The additional $50,000.00 will be funded by a transfer from the Sewer Fund. A memo from J.R. Sabatelli, Director of Finance, is attached. (See Backup)
11. Consider Adopting an Ordinance Amendment for the Union Station Train Depot Restoration Grant Fund.
(Ward 1) NC Railroad recently agreed to an extension of the lease and license agreement for the Union Station Train Depot restoration project. At its November 14th meeting, the Board approved a contract with Primus Contracting for services in the amount of $205,938.00 to replace the doors and windows. However, their bid has now increased to $217,362.00 due to unforeseen circumstances. The project fund for this phase of the work has an established budget of $187,500.00. This budget amendment will increase the budget by $30,500.00 for a total of $218,000.00. The project will be fully funded by contributions from New Bern Preservation Foundation. A memo from Mr. Sabatelli is attached. (See Backup)
12. Consider Adopting an Ordinance Amendment for the 2012 CDBG NC Catalyst Grant Project Fund.
In October 2013, the 2012 Community Development Block Grant NC Catalyst Grant Fund was established to assist with housing rehabilitation. The grant provided $500,000.00 in funding. A city match of $105,000.00 was provided as well as a $20,000.00 match from Coastal Community Action. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the work to be funded through Coastal Community Action was not completed. Additionally, a portion of the catalyst grant funds were used for drainage improvements at the City Market – Workforce Development Training Center. The City has fulfilled its obligations and received an authorization to close out the project. This amendment will officially close the project fund and make budget amendments to reflect the actual amount of revenue and expenditures and provide for the transfer of funds to the City Market – Workforce Development Training Center. A memo from Mr. Sabatelli is attached. (See Backup)
13. Consider Adopting an Ordinance Amendment for the City Market-Workforce Development Training Center Grant Project Fund.
(Ward 1) This budget ordinance amendment appropriates funds for the First Street corridor improvements, which will coincide with the City Market – Workforce Development Training Center project. The improvements to the corridor are estimated at $800,000.00 with NCDOT contributing $540,000.00 and the City funding the balance of $260,000.00 through a transfer from the General Fund. The amendment also reflects a transfer of $54,843.00 from the CDBG – Catalyst Grant Fund, which was authorized by the grantor to be used for the City Market project. A memo from Mr. Sabatelli is attached. (See Backup)
14. Consider Adopting an Ordinance Amendment for the Alexander Thalmann Field Capital Project Fund.
(Ward 3) The development of Thalmann Field is now complete. The project fund was established in September 2016 with an initial budget of $170,000.00, but actual costs exceeded this amount. This budget amendment will transfer $5,503.00 from the General Fund’s fund balance to cover the overage. A memo from Mr. Sabatelli is attached. (See Backup)
15. Consider Adopting a Budget Ordinance for FY2017-18 Operating Budget.
This budget ordinance amendment appropriates an additional $60,000.00 for the purchase of generators for various City buildings. The estimate for this purchase has increased since the original figures were obtained. This amount will be funded by an increase in proceeds from borrowing. Additionally, $260,000.00 is appropriated to the City Market-Workforce Development Training Center Grant Fund for the First Street Corridor Improvements and EDA Grant match, which will be facilitated by an increase in fund balance appropriated. Additional amendments consist of an increase in appropriations to the PD for cost associated with insurance claims proceeds and respective revenue received, $5,503.00 from fund balance to close out the Alexander Thalmann Field Capital Project Fund, an increase of $50,000.00 from Interfund Transfers for the Township 7 Sewer Improvements Project Fund to cover additional engineering costs, and lastly $78,475.00 for lighting upgrades at Craven Terrace that will be covered by an increase in revenues. A memo from Mr. Sabatelli is attached. (See Backup)
16. Consider Adopting a Resolution Approving a Declaration of Intent to Reimburse for FY2017-18 Capital Purchases.
On July 11, 2017, the Board adopted a resolution in favor of a Declaration of Official Intent to Reimburse for the purchase of capital equipment and improvements provided for in the Fiscal year 2017-18 budget. That declaration designated the amount to be financed would not exceed $1,246,184. However, as noted in the previous item, the cost to purchase generators has increased by $60,000.00. A memo from Mr. Sabatelli is attached. (See Backup)
17. Consider Adopting an Ordinance Amending Article VI of Chapter 70 of the Code of Ordinances.
Article VI of Chapter 70 of the City’s Code of Ordinances addresses parking. Currently, the ordinance does not make provision on how or when to establish fire lanes. The proposed amendment provides the necessary standards on establishing, marking, and enforcing fire lanes. A memo from Danny Hill, Fire Marshall, is attached. (See Backup)
18. Appointment(s).
Carol Becton’s seat on the New Bern-Craven County Public Library Board of Trustees will expire on December 1, 2017. Ms. Becton has expressed a desire to continue to serve in this capacity. You are asked to either reappoint Ms. Becton or make a new appointment. The appointee will serve a six-year term. (See Backup)
19. Attorney’s Report.
20. City Manager’s Report.
21. New Business.
22. Closed Session.
23. Adjourn.