Clinton NORTH CAROLINA  lune 4, 2024, CITY COUNCIL MEETING  The City Council oft the City of Clinton, North Carolina, met in ai regular session at 7:00. PM on June 4, 2024, in the City Hall. Auditorium. Mayor Starling presided. Councilmembers Ruggles, Corbett, Strickland, DuBose, and Mayor Pro Tem Becton were  present.  City Attorney Tim Howard of Howard and Carr, PLLC, was present.  Also, present were City Clerk Elaine F. Hunt; City Manager James Duncan; Finance Director) Kristin Stafford; Public Works Director Chris Medlin; HR Director Natalie Blue; Planning Director Mary Rose; Assistant Police Chief Adrian Mathews; Fire Chief Hagan Thornton; Interim Parks and Recreation Director Garrett Bryant; Senior Planner Lyle Moore; Captain Jonathan Ammon; Firefighter Nathan Lawson; and Firefighter Corbin  Horne.  Police Chief Anthony Davis was absent.  Michael Hardison ofThe Sampson Independent was present. Sylvia Chestnutt of Reverend Ray Bolton, Pastor of Red Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Clinton, NC,  The Sampson Weekly was absent.  gave thei invocation. CITY COUNCIL  Upon a motion made by Councilmember Strickland, seconded by Councilmember Ruggles, the minutes ofthe May 7, 2024, regular session; May 7, 2024, closed session; May 14, 2024, special budget workshop; and May 20, 2024, special budget workshop city  council meetings were unanimously approved.    RECOGNITION - FIREFIGHTER JOSEPH B. DIXON  Mayor Starling, City Council, and Fire Chief Hagan Thornton recognized Firefighter Joseph B. Dixon, who retired April 30, 2024, after approximately: 30 years ofs service. Chief Thornton stated that Firefighter Dixon began in thel late 1990s. He stated that Mr. Dixon was a great mentor to other firefighters and taught others SO much, i.e., about the community, about fire, and about church. Fire ChiefThornton thanked Firefighter Dixon for his time and his service. Hei told the group that Mr. Dixon will truly be missed. Best  wishes were extended to Firefighter Dixon.  Mayor Starling, Mayor Pro Tem Becton, and ChietThornton presented a gift to Mr. Dixon, and the audience applauded him for his dedication and service to the city.  OATHS  During the appropriate public hearing, Mayor Starling gave the oath to Senior  Planner Lyle Moore and Ashley Robinson.  BUDGET - FY2024-2025  Mayor Starling opened a public hearing to receive input on the FY2024-2025 City Manager Duncan presented the proposed FY2024-2025 Budget to the City Council. He presented an overview of the budget. City Manager Duncan presented a $19,238,100 operating budget. Below are highlights from his presentation:  Budget.  General fund ad valorem tax rate of$.34 Maintains all City services Eliminates voluntary 401k city contribution  Implements a major pay study to get salaries up to market rates Increases water and sewer base and consumption rates 3.5%  BUDGET OVERVIEW  General Fund Expenditures  $ $12,343,500  Water & Sewer Fund Expenditures = $ 6,749,600 Non-major Fund Expenditures =$ 145,000  Total Operating Budget  $19,238,100    City Manager Duncan stated that the budget recommends a: 3.5%i increase to the City's Water & Sewer base and consumption rates. Also, within the budget, due toa a property revaluation in Sampson County, the Revenue Neutral taxi rate is $0.30 per $100; the citywide taxi rate is set at $0.34 per $100valuation; and $0.18 ini the Downtown Special  District.  City Manager Duncan stated that a pay studyisi included in the budget that sets salaries at market value. Furthermore, he: stated that this budget discontinues the non- sworn employee 401k plan with a 0.5% contribution. However, sworn law enforcement are provided a 5% 401k contribution. He reviewed the Recommended Budget FY2024-2025 1 in  its entirety. (SEE. ATTACHMENT #1)  City Manager Duncan informed the City Council that there was one change not  mentioned revouy-ass000mcrase to the cemetery fees.  No one else wished to be heard, and the public hearing was closed.  Mayor Starling announced that the adoption of the proposed FY2024-2025 Budget will take place on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 5:00 PM, in the City Hall Auditorium.  P&Z-416 WARSAW ROAD - EVELYN CARTAGENA  Mayor Starling opened a public hearing on a special use request by Evelyn Cartagena to operate an arcade at 416 Warsaw Road ini the HC - Highway Commercial District. This public hearing was continued from the May 7,2 2024, City Council meeting. request but concluded by stating that Ms. Cartagena was not present.  Senior Planner Lyle Moore appeared before the City Council. He explained the  It was the consensus of the City Council to continue this public hearing until the] July  2, 2024, City Council meeting.  P&Z-A ALONG SOUTHWOOD DRIVE - FELIPE GUTIERREZ  Mayor Starling opened a public hearing on a rezoning request by Felipe Gutierrez to rezone. approximately 7.18 acres along Southwood Drive from RA-20  Residential Agriculture tol R-8 Residential.  Senior Planner Lyle Moore explained the request and gave the staff and Planning and Zoning Board's recommendation to approve the request upon the findings off fact and  zoning consistency statement.    Mr. Felipe Gutierrez was not present; therefore, Mayor Starling thought it best not to David Wright, 1302 Southwest Boulevard, Clinton, NC, appeared before the City Council regarding this public hearing. He stated that he received a notice about two (2) weeks ago. He stated his concern is-what will Mr. Gutierrez do with thej property.  take any action and continue this item.  No one else appeared to be heard and being no further discussion, Mayor Starling It was the consensus ofthe City Council to continue this public hearing until the July 2,2024, City Council meeting. Mayor Starling urged Senior Planner Lyle Moore to contact P&Z-ALONG SOUTHEAST BOULEVARD - SAMPSON TOBACCO WAREHOUSE, INC. Mayor Starling opened a public hearing on a rezoning request by Sampson Tobacco Warehouse, Inc., to rezone approximately 1.83 acres along Southeast Boulevard from RA-  closed the public! hearing.  the applicant and advise him to be present.  20 Residential Agriculture to HC - Highway Commercial.  Senior Planner Lyle Moore explained the request and gave the staff and Planning and Zoning Board's recommendation to approve the request upon the findings of fact and  zoning consistency statement. the publicl hearing.  No one appeared to be heard and being no further discussion, Mayor Starling closed Upon a motion made by Councilmember Ruggles, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Becton, the following amendment #2024.06.01 to the Zoning Ordinance was unanimously  adopted:  WHEREAS, in accordance with the provisions of North Carolina General Statute 160A-383, the City of Clinton Planning Board does hereby find and determine that the recommendation of ordinance amendment RZ-5-24-21 is consistent with the goals and objectives ofthe Clinton 2035 Comprehensive Plan. Section 7 Goals and Implementing Strategies, of the Clinton 2035 Comprehensive Plan, encourages commercial development  to occur in clusters along major thoroughfares such as US-701.    P&Z-2 209 WEST MAIN STREET - ASHLEY ROBINSON  Mayor Starling opened a public hearing on a special use request by Ashley Robinson tooperate a Pre-K-5th Grade School at 209 West Main Street in the NS - Neighborhood  Shopping District.  Senior Planner Lyle Moore presented the following findings: 1. The property under consideration contains approximaeyl48acres.  2. 3.  AG' Thornton Investments, Inc. has signed the application as the owner. The property is currently zoned NS- Neighborhood Shopping.  4. The properties on the north are. zoned O &IOffice & Institutional. The properties to the east and south are: zoned CB Central Business. The properties to the westare  zoned R-8 Residential. grades Pre-K-5th,  5. The applicanti is proposing to operate a private school for children with autism  6.  There will be a maximum of10 employees with no more than 20 students. 7. The applicant is proposing to operate the school from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. The school would operate during the regular school year calendar. 8. The property has been posted and all property owners within 100' have been  notified by mail.  9.  Section 7 of the 2035 Clinton Comprehensive Plan promotes infill development as  an essential action to the continued development oft the city. Development Ordinance shall be considered by City Council.  10. The special use standards from Section 11.4 Step 6, B.2 oft the City of Clinton Land  Ms. Ashley Robinson spoke briefly. She stated that each student will have someone Furthermore, she stated that twenty (20). students will be dropped offa and picked up daily.  with him/her always. She stated that she has ten (10) years of experience.  No one else appeared tol be heard, and thel hearing was closed.  Mayor Starling read Standard 1: Ifcompleted as proposed, the development will    comply with all oft the requirements of this Ordinance. Hei then called for a vote on whether the requested use would meet this standard. Five voted that the standard  would be met.  Mayor Starling read Standard 2: The use willi not materially endanger thej public health or safety. He then called forav vote on whether the requested use would meetthis  standard. Five voted that the standard would be met.  Mayor Starling read Standard 3: The use will not substantially. injure the value of adjoining or abutting property. He then called for a vote on whether the requested use would meet this standard. Five voted that the standard would be met.  Mayor Starling read Standard 4: The use will be in harmony with the area in which itist tol bel located. He then called for a vote on whether the requested use would meet this  standard. Five voted that the standard would be met.  Mayor Starling read Standard 5: The use will be in general conformity with the Land Development Ordinance, thoroughfare plan, or other plan officially adopted by the Council. He then called for a vote on whether the requested use would meet this standard. Five  voted that the standard would be met.  Upon a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Becton, seconded by Councilmember DuBose, a special use: request was unanimously approved for Ashley Robinson to operate a Pre-K - 5th Grade School at 209 West Main Street in the NS - Neighborhood Shopping RESOLUTION - ALLOWING CLINTON ABC BOARDTO ADOPTTHE CITYSTRAVEL  District. POLICY  Upon a motion made by Councilmember DuBose, seconded by Councilmember  Strickland, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:  RESOLUTION ALLOWING THE. ADOPTION CITY OF CLINTON'S TRAVEL POLICY  OF THE BY THE CLINTON ABC BOARD  WHEREAS, the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission is requesting that all local liquor boards adopt travel policies pursuant to Statutory Authority    G.S.1 18B-702(e) and legislation HB 1717Moderization oft the State. ABC System annually;  and  WHEREAS, the Clinton ABC: Board requests written confirmation from the Clinton City Council to allow the Board permission to adopt its current Travel Policy which was  adopted in April 2012 and revised in November 2015.  NOW, THEREFORE, BEI IT RESOLVED THAT the City Council oft the City of Clinton hereby grants the Clinton ABC Board's request to use during the FY2024-2025 the City's CONTRACT - POLICE SERVICES - EASTERN CAROLINA REGIONAL HOUSING  Travel Policy adopted in April 2012 and revised in November 2015.  AUTHORITY  Upon a motion made by Councilmember Ruggles, seconded by Councilmember Strickland, a contract between the City of Clinton and Eastern Carolina Regional Housing Authority; whereas, Eastern Carolina Regional Housing Authority will reimburse the City in at total amount: not to exceed $50,872.50 for ai term of one year for the service ofa  minimum ofone (1)police officer, passed unanimously.  Also, it was: noted that the Clinton Police Department agrees to hold the Eastern Carolina Regional Housing Authority, its agent, and employees free, harmless, and indemnified from and against any and all claims, suits or causes of actions arising from or in any way out oft the performance oft the duties of the police officer assigned to the  Authority.  CONTRACT - POLICE SERVICES - CLINTON CITY SCHOOLS  Upon a motion made by Councilmember Strickland, seconded by Councilmember Ruggles, a contract between the City of Clinton and Clinton City Schools; whereas, Clinton City Schools will pay $251,158.28 for a term of one year for the services oft three (3) school  resource officers, passed unanimously.  It was noted that] payments can be made quarterly at $62,789.57. Also, it was noted that the Clinton Police Department agrees to hold the Clinton City Schools, its agent, and employees free, harmless, and indemnified from and against any and all claims, suits, or causes ofactions arising from or in any way out oft the performance oft the duties oft the SRO  officers or the SRO Program.    CONTRACT - LAW ENFORCEMENT - CLINTON ABC BOARD  Upon a motion made by Councilmember DuBose, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Becton, a contract between the City ofc Clinton and Clinton ABC Board for ABCI law  enforcement passed unanimously.  The City of Clinton shall providel law enforcement in the Clinton School Districtin return for the sum ofs $5,000 to be paid by September 30, 2024. Itwas noted that this contract has been in existence for many years and the City has had no problems with the  Clinton ABC Board and this partnership.  Also, it was noted that the Clinton Police Department shall be solely responsible for hiring, equipping, and supervising the officer or officers who are charged with the duty of enforcing the ABClaws, and the Agency agrees toi indemnify, and hold harmless, the ABC  Board for any liability arising from the activities ofs said officer(s).  BUDGETAMENDMENT  Upon a motion made by Councilmember Strickland, seconded by Councilmember  DuBose, it passed unanimously to adopt the following budget amendment:  Budget Ordinance Amendment Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget #2024.06.02  BE ITORDAINED by the City Council oft the City ofClinton, NC, that the following amendment be made to the. Annual Budget Ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024; amended onl November 14, 2023; February 6, 2024; April 2, 2024; May7,2024; and. May 14, 2024; is hereby amended as follows: Section 1. To amend the General Fund, the expenditures are to be changed as follows:  Account: # 10-4100-0600 10-4100-2600 10-4100-4500 10-4100-5700 10-4200-0200 10-4200-0201  Account Title Groupi insurance Advertising Election expense Miscellaneous Salaries Part-time salaries  Increase Decrease  Total  $2,000 $500 $5,000  $3,000 $1,000 $1,300    10-4200-4500 10-4400-0200 10-4400-5700 10-4900-1400 10-4900-3300 10-4900-4502 10-5100-0200 10-5100-0202 10-5100-0203 10-5100-3300 10-5300-0201 10-5300-1500 10-5600-0200 10-5600-5000 10-5610-0200 10-5610-3400 10-5900-0200 10-5900-0600 10-5900-2600 10-5900-4500 10-5900-4600 10-5900-5402 10-5900-7400 10-6600-3700 10-6600-4500 10-6600-5402 10-6600-5600 10-6600-5700  Contract service Salaries Miscellaneous Travel and Ed Departmental supplies Demolition Salaries Hud salaries SRO salaries Dept. supplies Part-time salaries Maint/repair building Salaries Street lighting Salaries Small tools Salaries Groupi insurance Advertising Contract service Landfill tipping fees Insurance auto Capital outlay Out-of-state sales tax Contract service Blanket bonds Safety Miscellaneous  $2,500  $1,000 $2,200 $900 $1,000 $1,000 $9,800 $26,100 $12,000 $32,000 $4,000 $800 $50,500 $5,000 $535,000 $2,000 $3,500 $2,500  $3,000 $2,000 $15,000 $4,000 $4,000 $50,000 $15,000 $5,000  $3,700 $4,000  TOTAL EXPENDITURES  $694,600 $115,700 $578,900  Section 2. To amend the General Fund, the revenues are tol be changed as follows:  Account # 10-3010-8400 10-3900-0100 10-3920-0000  Account' Title Current year taxes Police grant reimbursement Loan proceeds  Increase Decrease $22,800 $26,100 $530,000  Total    TOTAL REVENUES  $578,900  $0 $578,900  Section 3. Toamend the Downtown Fund, the expenditures are tol be changed as follows:  Account # 71-6910-1200 71-6910-2500 71-6910-3300 71-6910-6901 71-6910-8000 71-6910-8100  Account Title Travel Craftf fair Supplies Downtown incentive Contingency Special events  Increase Decrease Total  $500 $3,800 $1,500 $6,000  $1,100 $1,400  TOTAL EXPENDITURES  $11,800 $2,500 $9,300  Section 4. To amend the Downtown Fund, the revenues are to be changed as follows:  Account # 71-3010-8201 71-3290-0000 71-3250-0000  Account' Title Prior year taxes Interest earned Craft fair  Increase Decrease Total  $300 $1,500 $7,500  TOTAL REVENUES  $9,300 $0 $9,300  Section 5. Copies oft this budget amendment shall be furnished to the City Clerk, City RESOLUTION APPROVING FINANCING TERMS - TRUIST BANK - TWO GARBAGE  Manager, and Finance Director for their direction. TRUCKS- SANITATION DEPARTMENT  Finance Director Stafford presented this item. She stated that the City received North Carolina Sherriffs Association cooperative group pricing for the purchase ofal leaf vacuum truck. She stated that the City has the authority to purchase from a cooperative    purchasing group through NCGS 143-129(e)(3). Mrs. Stafford stated that the two garbage trucks that the Cityi is requesting to: finance arej part oft the City's Capital Improvement Plan. Lastly, she stated that the complete price oft the two, garbage trucks is $530,000 and they  will be financed at 100%.  Upon a motion made by Councilmember Strickland, seconded by Councilmember  Ruggles, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:  Resolution Approving Financing Terms  WHEREAS: The City of Clinton ("'Borrower") has previously determined to undertake a project for the financing of garbage trucks (the Facility"), and the Finance  Officer has now presenteda proposal for the fnancingofsuch Project.  BE ITTHEREFORE RESOLVED, as follows:  1.  The Borrower hereby determines to finance the Project through Truist Bank  ("Lender") in accordance with the proposal dated May 17, 2024. The amount financed shall not exceed $530,000.00, the annual interest rate (in the absence of default or change in tax status) shall not exceed 5%, and the financing term shall not exceed four (4) years from  closing. 2.  All financing contracts and all related documents for the closing of the  financing (the Financing Documents") shall be consistent with the foregoing terms. All officers and employees of the Borrower are hereby authorized and directed to execute and deliver any Financing Documents and to take all such further action as they may consider necessary or desirable to carry out the financing of the Project as contemplated by the  proposal and this resolution.  3.  The Finance Officer is hereby authorized and directed to hold executed  copies of the Financing Documents until the conditions for the delivery oft the Financing Documents have been completed to such officer's satisfaction. The Finance Officer is authorized to approve changes to any Financing Documents previously signed by Borrower officers or employees, provided that such changes shall not substantially alter the intent of such documents or certificates from the intent expressed in the forms executed by such officers. The Financing Documents shall be in such final forms as the Finance Officer shall approve, with the Finance Officer's release of any Financing Document for delivery constituting conclusive evidence of such officer's final approval of the Document's final  form.  4.  The Borrower shall not take or omit to take any action, the taking or omission of  which shall cause its interest payments on this financing to be includable in the gross    income for federal income tax purposes of the registered owners of the interest payment obligations. The Borrower hereby designates its obligations to make principal and interest payments under the Financing Documents as "qualified tax-exempt obligations" for the  purposed of Internal Revenue Code Section 265(b)(3).  5.  The Borrower intends that the adoption of this resolution will be a declaration  oft the Borrower's official intent to reimburse expenditures for the Project that are to be financed from the proceeds of the Lender financing described above. The Borrower intends that funds that have been advanced, or that may be advanced, from the Borrower's general fund or any other Borrower fund related to the Project, for project costs  mayl bei reimbursed from the inancingproceeds.  6.  All prior actions of Borrower officers in furtherance oft the purposes of this  resolution are hereby ratified, approved, and confirmed. All other resolutions (or parts thereof) in conflict with this resolution are hereby repealed to the extent of the conflict. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXCHANGE OF PROPERTY - CITY OF CLINTON  Thisreolutonshaliakeefetimmediatel),  AND THE COUNTY OF SAMPSON  City Manager Duncan initiated the explaining and Public Works Director Medlin elaborated on the request. Mr. Medlin stated that the City of Clinton would like to do an exchange of property with the County of Sampson. He stated that the property oft the County and the Water and Sewer District is approximately 1,800ftof12-inch water line located from the vault near 300 Faison Hwy to the vault at the intersection of Faison Hwy and Pugh Road. He stated that the water. line is valued at $85,000. Furthermore, Mr. Medlin stated that the property ofthe City is approximately 1,100ftof12-inch city water line located from the vault near 2738 North US 421 Hwy to the vault on Nathan Dudley Road. He stated that this property is also valued at $85,000; therefore, the exchange will be  an even trade.  Upon a motion made by Councilmember Strickland, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem  Becton, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:  RESOLUTION OF THE CLINTON CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING EXCHANGE OF PROPERTY  WHEREAS, Sampson County and Sampson County Water and Sewer District II own approximately 1,800 ft. of 12 in. water line located from the vault near 300 Faison Hwy. to the vault at the intersection of Faison Hwy. and Pugh Rd., valued at $85,000; and  WHEREAS, The City of Clinton owns approximately 1,100 ft. of 12 in. water line located from the vault near 2738 N. US4 421 Hwy. to the vault on Nathan Dudley Rd., valued    at $85,000; and  WHEREAS, the County and Water and Sewer District and The City of Clinton wish to WHEREAS, N.C. Gen. Stat. S 160A-271 authorizes the City to make such an exchange if authorized by the City Council by a resolution adopted at a regular meeting of  make an even exchange of the above-described property; and  the City Council upon atl least 10 days' public notice; and  WHEREAS, the City has given the required public notice, and the City Council is  convened in a regular meeting.  THEREFORE, THE CLINTON CITY COUNCIL RESOLVESTHAT:  1. The exchange of properties described above is hereby authorized.  2.  The appropriate City officials are directed to execute the appropriate  instruments necessary to carry out the exchange.  STREET AND PARKING LOT CLOSINGS - CELEBRATE AMERICA CRUISEIN  Planning Director Rose spoke regarding this item. She stated that on Saturday, June 29th, there will be aj parade of classic cars and antique tractors. She stated that Mr. David King will bei the parade marshall. She stated that this event will be sponsored by the Clinton Main Street Program and Clinton Development Corporation inj partnership with the  Ol'Lightnin Rods Car Club.  Mrs. Rose requested that the City Council close Main Street from Wall Street to Lisbon Street, Vance Street from Sampson Street to Wall Street, and the parking lot at the west end ofthe Sampson County Courthouse from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm. She concluded by informing the group that the "Battle ofthe Badges" with Clinton Police Department and Clinton Fire Department will occur. This will be a fun spirited competition. DuBose, it passed unanimously to close the abovementioned streets.  Upon a motion made by Councilmember Strickland, seconded by Councilmember Before returning to hers seat, Planning Director Rose informed the City Council on 2023 Downtown Investment totaling $2,943,000,000 asi itr relates to the North Carolina Downtown Development Association (NCDDA), She thanked member oft the NC General Assembly for the many years of support for our downtowns and proudly stated that the City  of Clinton's art piece is displayed on this year's flyer.    RESOLUTION-AUTHORIZING CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT REGARDING ENGINEERING AND PLANNING SERVICES-CLINTON.  SAMPSON AIRPORT  Upon a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Becton, seconded by Councilmember Strickland, it passed unanimously to approve the following resolution authorizing the city manager to negotiate and execute an agreement: for an initial term of three years with an option to renew for1 two additional one-year periods regarding engineering and planning  services at the Clinton-Sampson County Airport:  RESOLUTION OF THE CLINTON CITY COUNCIL REGARDING CLINTON-SAMPSON COUNTY AIRPORT ENGINEERING AND PLANNING SERVICES  WHEREAS, on April 1, 2024, Sampson County and The City of Clinton issued a request for qualifications ("RFQ") to interested and qualified aviation consultants for engineering and planning services at the Clinton-Sampson County. Airport("CTZ);: ;and  WHEREAS, after reviewing the technical evaluations conducted by a committee appointed by the Clinton-Sampson County Airport Advisory Board and the recommendation of said Advisory Board, the Clinton City Council finds Avcon Engineers & Planners, Inc. ("AVCON") to be the most qualified RFQ respondent, Parish and Partners of North Carolina, PLLC to be the second most qualified RFQ respondent, Delta Airport Consultants, Inc. to be the third most qualified RFQ respondent, and Makito Aviation to be the fourth most qualified RFQ respondent based on the criteria included in the RFQ; and  WHEREAS, the Clinton City Council wishes to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a Master Agreement for an initial term of three (3) years with an option to renew for two (2) additional one (1) year periods with the most qualified RFQ respondent at a fair and reasonable price, and if a contract cannot be negotiated with the best-qualified firm, to terminate negotiations with that firm and initiate negotiations with  the next best-qualified firm.  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Manager is hereby authorized to negotiate and, with the concurrence of the City Attorney, execute a Master Agreement at a fair and reasonable price with. AVCON, and ifa contract cannot be negotiated with AVCON, to terminate negotiations with that firm and initiate negotiations with the next best-  qualified firm.    APPOINTMENTS  Upon a motion made by Councilmember Ruggles, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Becton, the following individuals were reappointed to the Recreation Advisory Board for another three-year term: Clark Hales, District 4 and Alice Tann, District 5; and Ms. Brooke Miller was appointed to replace Greg Thornton, AtLarge. The motion passed unanimously. The appointment to replace E. C. Mattocks, District 2, was continued until the) July 2, Upon a motion made by Councilmember Strickland, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Becton, itj passed unanimously to reappoint Jamie Little to thel Fireman's Relief Board for  2024, City Council meeting.  another two-year term.  Notifications were, given for the following boards:  a.  ABC Board - 3-year term Billy Ray Jordan, Jr.  b. Fireman's Relief Board - 2-year term  Betty Honeycutt  REPORTS  The monthly combined staff report was acknowledged.  STAFF REPORTS  There were: no staff reports.  CITY MANAGER REPORTS  City Manager Duncan announced the recipients ofs safety awards from the North  Carolina Department ofLabor. The departments were as follows:  Street Division -- First Year - Silver Award  Fire Department --Second Consecutive Year - Gold Award Water and Sewer Division - Second Consecutive Year - Gold Award    Sanitation Division - Second Consecutive Year - Gold Award Recreation Department -- Third Consecutive Year - Gold Award Police Department - Fourth Consecutive Year - Gold. Award City Hall Annex- Fourth Consecutive Year - Gold Award  Wastewater Treatment Plant Division - Eleventh Consecutive Year - Gold. Award  PUBLIC COMMENTS  Pastor Thomas Raynor, 265 Livingston Lane, Miry Creek Lane, Clinton, NC appeared before the City Council with a concern. His water was disconnected, and he was instructed that he would need to reapply for water. Upon conveying his concern, the Mayor and the City Council felt that changes should be made to the way the City manages late payments. Mayor Starling concluded by stating, "let us get into this and change this because it does  not make sense." OTHER BUSINESS  There was no other business to discuss.  CLOSED SESSION  Upon a motion made by Councilmember DuBose, seconded by Councilmember Ruggles, the following resolution passed unanimously to enter closed session to discuss  personnel:  RESOLUTION TO ENTER CLOSED SESSION  Be It Resolved that the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Clinton, North Carolina, held at 7:00 PM on June 4, 2024, entered closed session as allowed by G.  S.143-318.110a)6) to discuss matters relating to personnel.  Upon a motion made by Councilmember Ruggles, seconded by Councilmember DuBose, it passed unanimously for the City Council to re-enter regular session.  Mayor Starling stated that several matters were discussed; however, no action was taken. Furthermore, he stated that the City Council will be back on June 18th at5 5:00PM  toa adopt the budget. CONTINUATION  Being no further discussion, a motion was made by Councilmember DuBose, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Becton, and it passed unanimously to continue this June 4,    2024, City Council meeting until Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 5:00 PM ini the City Hall Auditorium to adopt the FY2024-2025 Budget and other business as deemed necessary.  The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:10 PM.  - Mayor  Snes ut Elaine F.J Hunt, City Clerk, MMC, NCCMC  Gh