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Town of Holly Springs Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Tuesday, Feb. 2, 1999 MINUTES The Holly Springs Town Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 1999 in the Town Board meeting chambers, located in Town Hall, 128 S. Main St. Mayor Gerald W. Holleman presided, calling the meeting to order at 7:36 p.m. A quorum was established as the mayor and all five board members were present as the meeting opened. Board Members Present: Commissioners Hank Dickson, Jim Dolle, Parrish Womble, Ken Martin, Tim Sack and Mayor Holleman. Board Members Absent: None. Staff Members Present: Ernest C. Pearson, town attorney; Joni Smith, town clerk (recording the minutes); Don Mizelle, planning director; Jennifer Carr, director of community development; Cecil Parker, chief of public safety; Luncie McNeil, director of public works; John Ellis, finance director; Thomas Tillage, director of public utilities; Melvin Williams of the parks and recreation department; and Bob Jessup, bond counsel. 2 and 3. The pledge of allegiance was recited, and the meeting opened with a moment of silent meditation. 4. Agenda Adoption - Commissioner Martin moved that the meeting agenda for Feb. 2, 1999 be set with changes (if any) as listed below and adopted. Commissioner Sack seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Items Added: Letter to Harnett County regarding waterline was added to Other Business. Items Deleted: None. Items Removed from Consent Agenda: None, but Commissioner Dickson asked that an artist's rendering of the Lane Dentistry office be displayed to the audience prior to approval of the Consent Agenda.
5a. Report on Georgia Trip - Mayor Holleman and Commissioners Dickson, Dolle and Martin reported to the audience on their recent trip to a waste-to-energy facility in Georgia. At this facility, garbage is separated into recyclable goods, and the balance is then incinerated. The ash is then landfilled, reducing the amount of space that is required for landfilling 100 percent of the waste stream. Officials and citizens hope Wake County will seriously consider this technology or a similar one in lieu of proceeding with the South Wake Landfill as planned. Action: None. 5b. Report on Treatment Plant Road - Mayor Holleman responded to a request from Glen Murdaugh, 401 W. Ballentine Street, who has asked on Jan. 19 about the feasibility of routing industrial park and truck traffic on Treatment Plant Road instead of Ballentine Street. Mayor Holleman explained that once Ballentine is fully extended as planned, it will intersect with Irving Parkway, which will remain the main entrance to the industrial park for truck and heavy traffic. He said Treatment Plant Road also would intersect with Ballentine Street extended and also could be used for industrial park access. The portion of Ballentine Street that would be used for accessing industrial properties would be on the industrial park end of Ballentine Street beyond these two intersections. He said he did not believe industrial park traffic would tend to flow onto the residential portion of Ballentine Street, but would, instead, exit the area via Ballentine to Irving Parkway or Ballentine to Treatment Plant Road. Treatment Plant Road will remain unpaved at this time. Mayor Holleman added that when the extension of Ballentine Street is completed, "No Trucks" signs will be erected. Action: None. 5c. Report on Town Hall Assessment - Mayor Holleman reported that he had touched bases with Mrs. Sudano regarding a technical assessment of Town Hall in preparation of participating in the WakeNet program. Mayor Holleman said Mrs. Sudano advised him that report would be available by March 2 meeting. Action: None. 6. Sidewalk Project Appropriation - Mr. Ellis presented the Board with two budget amendments that would provide for $30,000 in available Powell Bill Funds to be placed in the budget and be used for paying initial costs in the 1999 Sidewalk Project. With adoption of these budget amendments, work on the project could begin. Action: Commissioner Sack moved that a budget amendment pulling $30,000 in available Powell Bill Funds and applying it to accounts in the General Fund be adopted. Commissioner Dolle seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. A copy of this budget amendment is incorporated into these minutes as an addendum page. Action: Commissioner Womble moved that a budget amendment applying the $30,000 from the General Fund to the 1999 Sidewalk Capital Project Fund be adopted. Commissioner Martin seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. A copy of this budget amendment is inorporated into these minutes as addendum page. 7a. Buddy Alert and Gatekeeper - Mr. Williams explained to the Board that he would like to initiate two programs whereby Town Public Works, Public Safety and Public Utilities crews could assist in identifying citizens in need of assistance. He explained that the Gatekeeper program is one aimed at keeping an eye on the homes of senior citizens and the disabled. In the program, public works staff members would be trained to recognize signs of trouble at a home of a participant. When out in the field working, these public works staffers could spot these signs and see if help is needed. In the Buddy Alert program, Town employees who use radio communications during the course of their daily work would be trained to recognize signs of youngsters getting into trouble. These employees could identify and find help for youngsters who appear to be skipping school, or otherwise getting into trouble. Mr. Williams asked for the Board's endorsement of these two programs that would enlist the aid of Town employees who are normally out in the community performing their job duties. Both Commissioners Sack and Womble commented on what a good idea these two programs are. Action: Commissioner Sack moved that the Town Board endorse both programs. Commissioner Womble seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. 7b. Summer Camp - Mr. Williams presented to the Board his proposed fee schedule for the 1999 Summer Camp program. In the schedule, Mr. Williams proposes to charge a $15 one-time registration fee. In addition, $95 would be charged per child per session for the summer camp's five sessions between June 7 and Aug. 13. A $15 charge per child per week would be assessed for parents wishing to drop their children off early in the morning (7 a.m.) And $15 per week per child for late pick-up (between 5:30 and 6 p.m.) Summer Camp hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mr. Williams requested the Board's adoption of the fee schedule. Action: Commissioner Sack moved that the fee schedule be adopted as presented. Commissioner Dolle seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. At this time, Mr. Williams reported that he had received information that the Town would be awarded a $2,000 grant to train a group of youngsters who would be trained in working with their peers to reduce and prevent tobacco use. Action: Commissioner Womble moved that the Town accept the $2,000 grant for this tobacco use reduction/prevention program. Commissioner Martin seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. 7c. Irrigation Meters Program - Mr. Holleman asked that the Board consider adoption of a short-term policy whereby those in the community wishing to install split systems for lawn irrigations be allowed to do so at the 1997-98 rate. He said the Town has received complaints and criticism for hiking the rate to the current levels without emphasizing the new $750 impact fee enough during the budget adoption process. In response to those complaints, Mr. Holleman suggested that the Town take the following steps: 1. Refund the new $750 impact fee that was charged to those customers who have paid in full for a split system at the current rate since July 1, 1998, giving them the same opportunity. 2. Advertise that this one-time opportunity will last until March 12, 1999. 3. Issue an informative newsletter advising all water customers of the program and its specifics. 4. The program will close at the end of business on March 12, 1999 and all work must be completed and inspection requested by noon on Monday, April 12, 1999. April 12, 1999 is the last day on which a 30-day permit requested by the March 12 deadline will be valid. Mr. Holleman reported to the Board, that the Town can expect to make about five or six refunds of $750 each. He also predicted that more than 100 residents would want to take advantage of the program. Action: Commissioner Sack moved that this short-term policy be adopted. Commissioner Martin seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. 8. Consent Agenda - Commissioner Sack moved that all items on the Consent Agenda be approved. Commissioner Womble seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and affected the following actions: 8a. Fuller-Williams Building - The site plan for Fuller-Williams commercial buildings on Hwy. 55 was approved. 8b. Spencer's Trace Phase I - The preliminary site plan for Spencer's Trace Phase I was approved, subject to satisfaction of staff review comments. 8c. Lane Dentistry Office - The site plan for Lane Dentistry's proposed office on Hwy. 55 was approved. 8d. Ordinance 99-1 - Ordinance 99-1 declaring a 25 mph speed zone for traffic on Holly Springs Road during school traffic hours was adopted. A copy of Ordinance 99-1 is incorporated into these minutes as an addendum page. 8e. Air Conditioning/Heating - The Board entered into a contract with Underwood Heating and Air for Town Hall maintenance and service. Underwood quoted a service cost of $800 for basic service and $250 per visit for filter cleaning or replacement. A copy of the proposal from Underwood Heating and Air, the low bidder, is enclosed in these minutes as an addendum page. The only other proposal received was from Allen Kelly & Co. Inc. of Raleigh, which bid $900 for basic service plus $300 per visit for filter cleaning or replacement. 8f. Street Repair Contracts - The Board entered into a contract with low bidder D.E. Hauling and Paving for street repair in Easton Acres, Avent Acres and Remington subdivisions. A copy of the proposal from D.E. Hauling and Paving is incorporated into these minutes as an addendum page. The Town received three proposals for the work: Gelder & Associates bid $6,720; Tops Paving bid $5,813; and D.E. Hauling & Paving bid $5,700. 8g. Fund Transfer - The Board approved the transfer of $2,000 from the cemetery maintenance line item to the public works part-time salaries line-item to be used for paying workers to maintain the cemetery property as well as perform other various duties around Town. 8h. Minutes - Minutes of the Board's regular meeting held Dec. 15, 1998 and continued on Dec. 16 and continued again on Dec. 17, 1998 were approved. The minutes of the Board's regular meeting held on Jan. 19, 1999 were approved. 9. Other Business: 9a. Street Lights & Park Benches - Mr. George Hamzik conveyed his wishes to the Board that the Town consider establishing a street lighting policy while it has a chance to garner street lights and park benches as the development of property occurs. Mayor Holleman said he thought that would be a good project for the Planning Board. Mr. Hamzik also suggested that the training programs for the Buddy Alert and Gatekeeper programs discussed earlier in the meeting be reviewed and that the Town investigate the potential liability it is creating by providing this training. Action: Commissioner Womble moved that the Planning Board be instructed to investigate and bring back to the Board of Commissioners for consideration a proposed policy addressing street lights, park benches, streetscape planters and any other village-type aesthetic improvements it sees fit include in the development policy proposal. Commissioner Sack seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. 9b. Harnett County Water Project - Mr. Ellis and Mr. Jessup presented a letter written to Harnett County for the Board's consideration. The letter commits the Town of Holly Springs to participation in installing a water transmission line into southern Wake County from the Harnett County water treatment plant on the Cape Fear River. On Monday, Feb. 1, the Wake County Board of Commissioners authorized $4 million toward this project as a loan to the Town of Holly Springs for a portion of the total cost of the Town's participation. Action: Commissioner Dickson moved that the letter be issued to Harnett County therefore committing the Town of Holly Springs to participation in the water transmission line project. Commissioner Martin seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. A copy of this letter is incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages. 10. Mayor's Report - Reported that Wake County Board of Commissioners directed staff to provide Holly Springs with short-term funding of $4 million to be used for the Harnett County waterline project. Mayor Holleman pointed out that Wake County expected to be reimbursed over a period of time.
11. Commissioners Reports - Commissioners offered the following reports: Commissioner Dickson - None that resulted in action or directives to staff. Commissioner Dolle - None. Commissioner Womble - Asked about a turning lane on Hwy. 55 at Sunset Lake Road (Old Smithfield Road). Mayor Holleman advised that Wake County is responsible for the turning lane's delay. He suggested that Commissioner Womble contact members of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Womble said the S.O.T. wants to adopt Third Street and Blalock Street for roadside clean-up in a program similar to Adopt-a-Highway. He said these two streets need cleaning on a weekly basis. Commissioner Martin - None. Commissioner Sack - Agreed that turn lane on Hwy. 55 is needed. He has noticed, too, that the truck traffic coming out of Feltonsville cannot enter Hwy. 55 from Old Smithfield Road without swinging out into traffic. Further, the trucks are causing the erosion of the corner He urged support of a Wake County bond referendum for parks that could result in the construction of a public library in Holly Springs. The referendum will be coming up in the spring. Mrs. Sack addressed the Board and explained that the library package will be included in a spring school bond issue. She urged commissioners and citizens to communicate to members of the Wake County Board of Commissioners how important the library issue is and to ensure that the funds are set aside. 12. Closed Session - Commissioner Sack moved that the Board recess for 10 minutes before reconvening in Closed Session for the purpose of holding discussions appropriate to the Closed Session Exception in the General Statutes. Commissioner Womble seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Action Taken in Closed Session: 1. At a point during the Closed Session, Commissioner Dickson moved that Commissioner Dolle be excused for a portion of the Closed Session in which a personnel matter would be discussed. Commissioner Sack seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. 2. Commissioner Martin moved to extend an offer of employment to one of the candidates for the position of town manager, including a salary offer, for that candidate's consideration. Commissioner Womble seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-1. Commissioners Sack, Martin and Womble voted for. Commissioner Dickson voted against. 3. Commissioner Sack moved that the Board return to Open Session. Commissioner Womble seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. A General Account of the Closed Session follows. General Account of Closed Session 2/2/99 In Closed Session, the Board discussed terms of a memorandum of understanding with the Holly Springs Development Corporation concerning the development of downtown and the related acquisition of real property. The Board discussed with the Town Attorney two zoning violation issues that are the subject of potential litigation. The Board gave direction to staff as to how to handle each zoning issue. The Board discussed with the Town Attorney the subject of the group homes on Avent Ferry Road. The Board gave direction as to how to proceed: enlist the aid of enforcement agencies and provide them material evidence. At this time, Commissioner Dolle was excused by the motion listed above. The Board discussed qualifications of candidates for the position of Town Manager and terms of an employment offer. Following discussion, Commissioner Dolle rejoined those seated at the table. - End of General Account Action Taken Upon Return to Open Session: 1. Commissioner Sack moved that Resolution 99-3 approving a Memorandum of Understanding with Holly Springs Development Corporation Concerning the Acquisition and Development of the Mims House Property and Other Matters Related to Downtown Development, and Taking Other Related Action. Commissioner Dickson seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. The text of Resolution 99-3 is incorporated into these minutes as addendum pages. 2. Commissioner Womble moved that the Town retain professional services at a cost of between $5,000 and $8,000 for an appraisal and environmental assessment on the Mims property in preparation for seeking installment financing for the purchase. Commissioner Sack seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
13. Adjournment - There being no further business for the evening, the Holly Springs Board of Commissioners meeting of Feb. 2, 1999 was adjourned at 11:45 p.m. following a motion by Commissioner Sack, a second by Commissioner Dickson and a unanimous vote. Respectfully Submitted on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 1999 __________________________________ Joni Smith, CMC Town Clerk Addendum pages, as referenced in these minutes, follow and are a part of the official record of this meeting. |