Clinton NORTH CAROLINA  April 2, 2024, CITY COUNCIL MEETING  The City Council of the City of Clinton, North Carolina, met in a regular session at 7:00 PM on April 2, 2024, in the City Hall Auditorium. Mayor Starling presided. Councilmembers Ruggles, Corbett, Strickland, and Mayor Pro Tem Becton were present.  Councilmember Holden DuBose was absent.  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; Parksa and Recreation Director Jonathan Allen; Planning Director. Mary Rose; Fire Chief Hagan' Thornton; Assistant Police Chief Adrian Mathews; Fire Inspector Ronald Williams; Police Chief Anthony Davis; and Interim Parks and Recreation Director Garrett Bryant. Jack Tunnell ofThe Sampson Independent was present. Sylvia Chestnutt ofThe Mayor Pro Tem Becton gave the invocation for Councilmember DuBose in his  Sampson Weekly was absent.  absence. CITY COUNCIL  Upon a motion made by Councilmember Strickland, seconded by Councilmember Ruggles, the minutes ofthe March. 5, 2024, regular city council meeting were unanimously  approved.  SERVICEAGREEMENT WITHFIRE RECOVERY USA, LLC & AN ORDINANCE  REGARDING MITIGATION RATES  Fire Inspector Ronald Williams spoke regarding approval ofa service agreement between Fire Recovery USA, LLC and the City of Clinton and the adoption ofa an ordinance    establishing and implementing aj program to charge mitigation rates for the deployment tof emergency and non-emergency services rendered by The Clinton Fire Department. Inspector Williams distributed al handout to the group and elaborated on it line by line. (SEE ATTACHMENT #1). He stated that in the past, we had an agreement with Fire Recovery Services USA; however, to reinstate the agreement, there will be a $500.00 reactivation fee. Inspector Williams informed the group that this agreement would be customized to the Clinton Fire Department's system, and they can choose only tol bill insurance companies and not individuals without insurance. Inspector Williams mentioned thati individuals' insurances will not increase based on this process. Inspector Williams talked about animal bi-product spills and the charge that would occur to the insurance company for the use oft the engine company per hour-- $554.00. The question was asked, "Can we charge Darling Ingredients for the hog spills?" Inspector After further discussion, ai motion was made by Councilmember Ruggles, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Becton, and it passed unanimously to reinstate the service agreement with Fire Recovery USA, LLCand to adopt the following Ordinance # 2024.04.01 establishing and implementing aj program to charge mitigation rates for the deployment ofe emergency  Williams responded that insurance companies would be charged.  and non-emergency services rendered by The Clinton Fire Department:  ORDINANCE #2024.04.01  An Ordinance Establishing and Implementing a Program to Charge Mitigation Rates for the Deployment of Emergency and Non-Emergency Services Rendered by The Clinton  Fire Department  WHEREAS, the emergency and non-emergency services response activity to incidents continues to increase each year; Environmental Protection requirements involving equipment and training, and Homeland Security regulations involving equipment and training, creating additional demands on all operational aspects of the fire  department services; and  WHEREAS, the Clinton Fire Department has investigated different methods to maintain a high level of quality ofe emergency and non-emergency service capability throughout times of constantlyincreasing service demands, where maintaining an effective response by the fire department decreases the costs ofincidents to insurance carriers, businesses, and individuals through timely and effective management of emergency situations, saving lives and reducing property and environmental damage; and    WHEREAS, raising real property tax to meet the increase in service demands would not be fair when the responsible party(s) should be held accountable for their actions; and WHEREAS, the City Council oft the Clinton Fire Department desires toi implement a fair and equitable procedure by which to collect said mitigation rates and shall establisha billing system in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines.  NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CLINTON SECTION 1: The Clinton Fire Department shall initiate mitigation rates for the delivery ofe emergency and non-emergency services by the fire department for personnel, supplies, and equipment to the scene of emergency and non-emergencyl incidents as listed in "EXHIBIT A". The mitigation rates shall be based on actual costs oft the services and that which is usual, customary, and reasonable (UCR) as shown in EXHIBIT A," which may include any services, personnel, supplies, and equipment and with baselines established  FIRE DEPARTMENT:  by addendum to this document.  SECTION 2: A claim shall be filed to the responsible party(s) through theirinsurance SECTION 3: The Fire Department's City Council may make rules or regulations and from time to time may amend, revoke, or add rules and regulations, not consistent with this Section, as they may deem necessary or expedient in respect to billing for these  carrier. In some circumstances, the responsible party(s) will be billed directly.  mitigation rates or the collection thereof.  SECTION 4: Itis found and determined that all formal actions ofthis City Council concerning and relating to the adoption oft this Ordinance were adopted in open meetings ofthis City Council, and that all deliberations oft this City Council and any ofits committees that resulted in such formal actions were in accordance with all legal requirements, and the  Codified Ordinances oft the City Council. adoption as permitted byl law.  SECTION 5: This Ordinance shall take effect thirty days (30) from the date of  SECTION 6: The. Mitigation Rates lists in Exhibit A will increase annually based on the annual percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), as developed by the Bureau ofl Labor Statistics oft the U.S. Department of] Labor. Rate adjustments will occur on the anniversary date ofthis ordinance/resolution tol keep the Clinton Fire Department's cost  recovery program in conformity with increasing operating expenses.    VOTE ON PASSAGE:  Yea EXHIBITA MITIGATION RATES BASED ON PER HOUR  Nay  Abstain  The mitigation rates below are average "billing levels" and are typical for thei incident responses listed; however, when a claim is submitted, it may be itemized and based on the These rates are based on actual costs using amortized schedules for apparatus (including useful life, equipment, repairs, and maintenance). Labor rates include an average department's actual burdened labor costs and not just a firefighter's wage. These include  actual services provided.  wages, retirement, benefits, Workmen's compensation, etc.  MOTOR VEHICLE INCIDENTS Level 1-$ $602.00 accident/incident. Level 2-$687.00  Provide hazardous materials assessment and scene. stabilization. This will be the most common "billing level." This occurs almost every time the Fire Department responds to an  Includes Level 1 services as well as clean up and material used (sorbents) for hazardous fluid clean up and disposal. We will bill at this level ifthe Fire Department has to clean up any gasoline or other automotive fluids that are spilled as a result ofthe accident/incident. Provide scene safety, fire suppression, breathing air, rescue tools, hand tools, hose, tip use, foam, structure protection, and clean up gasoline or other automotive fluids that are spilled  Level 3 - CARI FIRE $838.00  asaresult oft the accident/incident.  ADD-ON SERVICES: Extrication $1,811.00  Includes heavy rescue tools, ropes, airbags, cribbing etc. This charge will be added ifthe fire department has toi free/remove anyone from the vehicle(s) using any equipment. We will not bill at this level ifthe patient is simply unconscious, and the Fire Department is able to open the door to access the patient. This level is tol bel billed onlyi ifequipment is  deployed.    Creating a Landing Zone $553.00  Includes Air Care (multi-engine company response, mutual aid, helicopter). We will bill at this level any time a helicopter landing zone is created and/ori is utilized to transport the Itemized Response: You have the option to bill each incident as an: independent event with custom mitigation rates, for each incident using itemized rates deemed usual, customary, and reasonable (UCR). These incidents will bel billed, itemized per apparatus,  patient(s).  per personnel, plus products and equipment used.  HAZMAT Level 1- $972.00  Basic Response: Claim will include engine response, first responder assignment, perimeter  establishment, evacuations, set-up, and command.  Level 2 - $3,473.00  Intermediate Response: Claim willi include engine response, first responder assignment, hazmat certified team and appropriate equipment, perimeter establishment, evacuations, set-up and command, Level A or B suit donning, breathing air and detection equipment.  Set-up and removal of decon center. Level 3 - $8,199.00  Advanced Response: Claim will include engine response, first responder assignment, hazmat certified team and appropriate equipment, perimetere establishment, evacuations, first responder set-up and command, Level A or B. suit donning, breathing air and detection equipment and robot deployment. Set-up and removal of decon center, detection equipment, recovery, and identification ofr material. Disposal and environment clean up. Includes above in addition to any disposal rates of material and contaminated equipment and material used at scene. Includes 3 hours of on-scene time each additional hour @  $381.00, per HAZMAT team.  FIRES Includes: S Scene Safety Investigation Fire/Hazard Control  Assignment - $554.00 per hour, per engine/$693.00 per hour, per truck    This will be the most common "billing level." This occurs almost every time the fire  department responds to an incident. with custom mitigation rates.  OPTIONAL: A fire department has the option to bill each fire as an independent event  Itemized, per person, at various pay levels and for itemized products use.  ILLEGAL FIRES  Assignment $554.00 per hour, per engine / $693.00 per hour, per truck When a firei is started by any person or persons that requires a fire department response during a time or season when fires are regulated or controlled by local or state rules, provisions or ordinances because ofj pollution or fire danger concerns, such person or persons will be liable for the fire department response at a cost not to exceed thea actual expenses incurred by the fire department to respond and contain the fire. Similarly, ifa a fire is started where permits are required for such a fire and the permit was not obtained and the fire department is required to respond to contain the fire the responsible party will be liable fort the response at a cost not to exceed the actual expenses incurred by the fire department. The actual expenses will include direct labor, equipment costs and any other  costs that can be reasonably allocated to the cost ofthe response.  WATER INCIDENTS Level 1  Basic Response: Claim will include engine response, first responder assignment, perimeter establishment, evacuations, first responder set-up and command, scene safety and investigation (including possible patient contact, hazard control). This will be the most common "billing level."This occurs almost every time the fire department responds to a  water incident.  Billed at $554 plus $68 per hour, per rescue person.  Level 2  Intermediate Response: Includes Level 1 services as well as clean up and material used (sorbents), minor hazardous clean up and disposal. We will bill at this level ifthe fire department has to clean up small amounts of gasoline or other fluids that are spilled as a  result ofthei incident.  Billed at $1,110 plus $68 per hour, per rescue person.    Level 3  Advanced Response: Includes Level 1 and Level 2 services as well as D.A.RT.activation, donning breathing apparatus and detection equipment. Set up and removal of decon center, detection equipment, recovery, and identification of material. Disposal and environment clean up. Includes above in addition to any disposal rates of material and Billed at $2,747 plus $68 per hour per rescue person, plus $134 per hour per HAZMAT  contaminated equipment and material used at scene.  team member. Level 4  Itemized Response: You have the option to bill each incident as an independent event with custom mitigation rates for each incident using itemized rates deemed usual, customary, and reasonable (UCR). These incidents will be billed, itemized, per trained  rescue person, plus rescue products used. BACK COUNTRY OR SPECIAL RESCUE  Itemized Response: Each incident will bel billed with custom mitigation rates deemed usual, customary, and reasonable (UCR). These incidents willl be billed, itemized per apparatus, per hour, per trained rescue person, per hour, plus rescue products used. Minimum billed $554 plus $68 per hour, per rescue person. Additional rates of $554 per hour, per response vehicle and $68 per hour, per rescue person.  CHIEF RESPONSE  This includes the set-up of Command and providing direction ofthei incident. This could  include operations, safety, and administration oft the incident.  Billed at $347 per. hour.  MISCELLANEOUSIADDITIONAL TIME ON-SCENE ADDITIONAL TIME ON-SCENE (for all levels of service)  Engine billed at $554 per hour. Truck billed at $693 per hour. Miscellaneous equipment billed at $416.    MITIGATION RATE NOTES  The mitigation rates above are average "billing levels" for one hour ofs service and are typical for thei incident responses listed; however, when a claim is submitted, it may be These average mitigation rates were determined byi itemizing costs fora a typical run (from the time a fire apparatus leaves the station until it returns to the station) and are based on the actual costs, using amortized schedules for apparatus (including useful life, equipment, repairs, and maintenance) and labor rates (an average department's "actual personnel expense" and notj just a firefighter's basic wage). The actual personnel expense includes costs such as wages, retirement, benefits, Workmen's Compensation, insurance, etc. RESOLUTION TO INSTALL, A THREE-WAYSTOP ATTHEI INTERSECTION OF VANCE  itemized and based on the actual services provided.  STREET AND FISHER DRIVE  Planning Director Mary Rose introduced this item; afterward, Dr. Paul Viser spoke. He expressed his gratitude to the City of Clinton and stated how the Sampson Partners have worked diligently toi fix up the building on Vance Street. He shared how much money the group has spent toward thei improvements. Dr. Viser stated that their purpose is to give back to Clinton. He mentioned that Tickled Pink Consignment Shop has generated al lot of  business in the area for which he was thankful.  Mrs. Rose stated that she had consulted with staff and business owners ini the vicinity. She stated that no one had a concern. Mrs. Rose stated that the three-way stop  would be in front of Sampson Building Supply.  Mayor Starling mentioned a traffic study was needed and continued to say thata a four-way stop is located at West Elizabeth Street. He called on Police Chief Anthony Davis to speak. Chief Davis stated that this proposed location is a "down stretch." Chief Davis  stated that the City Council could considerlowering the speed limit.  Councilmember Strickland asked about putting out speed bumps; however, Planning Director Rose spoke against this installation. Dr. Viser asked the City Council to put a crosswalk, lower the speed limit in the area, or some other remedy.  The proposal toi install a three-way stop at the intersection ofVance Street and Upon a motion made by Councilmember Ruggles, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Becton, it passed unanimously tol lower the speed limit from 35 mph to 20 mph for the entire stretch--from Beaman Street to Sampson Street; and to block offt the street one hour  Fisher Driver was dismissed.    before and one hour after the Sampson Partners' Dedication Celebration on Thursday, May RESOLUTION -- AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT WITH1 THE WOOTEN COMPANY REGARDING THE CLINTON THEATER PROIECT,  2,2024.  ENTITLED,THE SHOW MUST GOON  Upon ai motion made by Councilmember Strickland, seconded by Councilmember  Ruggles, the following resolution passed unanimously:  City of Clinton Resolution for Administrative Services Rural Transformation Grant Fund Rural Engagement and Investment Program  The Show Must Go On, Revitalizing Clinton's Historic Downtown Theater WHEREAS, the City of Clinton's City Council had indicated its desire to assist in WHEREAS, the Clinton City Council supports the proposed Clinton Theater restoration project, which will result in the restoration of the exterior façade and interior of the City ofClinton-owned theater building located at1 115 Fayetteville Street, Clinton, North  development efforts within the City of Clinton; and  Carolina; and  WHEREAS, City staff] has requested, received, and reviewed the RFPS submitted NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Manager or his designee is hereby authorized toi negotiate aj professional services contract for administrative services for thei implementation oft the Rural Transformation Grant for the Clinton Theater entitled, "The Show Must Go On" with the selected firm, The Wooten Company, in order to perform the professional services associated with the grant implementationincluding administration, bidding and construction contract documents, and permitting oft this project in accordance with all applicable regulations and standards.  from qualified consulting firms.  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall take effectimmediately upon  its adoption.    RESOLUTION -- AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT WITH MAURER ARCHITECTURE REGARDING THE CLINTON THEATER PROIECT,  ENTITLED, .THESHOW MUSTG GOON  Upon a motion made by Councilmember Strickland, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem  Becton, the following resolution passed unanimously:  City of Clinton Resolution for Architectural/Eral/Engineering Services Rural Transformation Grant Fund Rural Engagement and Investment Program  The Show Must Go On, Revitalizing Clinton's Historic Downtown Theater WHEREAS, the City of Clinton's City Council had indicated its desire to assist in WHEREAS, the Clinton City Council supports the proposed Clinton Theater restoration project, which will result in thei restoration oft the exterior façade and interior of the City of Clinton-owned theater building located at 115 Fayetteville Street, Clinton, North  development efforts within the City of Clinton; and  Carolina;and  WHEREAS, City staff has requested, received, and reviewed the RFPs submitted NOW, THEREFORE, BEI IT RESOLVED that the City Manager or his designee is rchtecturayengneerng services for the implementation oft the Rural Transformation Grant for the Clinton Theater entitled, "The Show Must Go On" with the selected firm, Maurer. Architecture, in order to perform the professional services associated with the grant implementation including architecturalengineerea drawings necessary to complete this project and to obtain all the permits related to the project in accordance with all applicable  from qualified consulting firms.  hereby authorized to negotiate a professional services contract for  regulations and standards.  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall take effect immediately upon  its adoption. ALIVEAETER FIVE  Mayor Starling introduced thisi item. He stated that the Alive after Five events will begin soon. It was stated that the City Code permits the. Arts Council to sell alcohol at the event with a letter from the City Manager. It was further stated that the Arts Council will  have to obtain the necessary permits.    City Manager Duncan and staffasked City Council to approve the closing oft the City Market parking lot and the section of Graham Street just north oftheJ. C. Holliday Memorial Library driveway which would then be closed to the stop sign located behind the old Bee Hive building. Itv was mentioned that the dates oft the event were: May 23, June 20,  August 22, September 26, and October 24, 2024.  Upon a motion made by Councilmember Strickland, seconded by Councilmember Ruggles, it passed unanimously to close the City Market parking lot and the section of Graham Street just north oft the J. C. Holliday Memorial Library driveway which would then be closed to the stop sign located behind the old Bee Hivel building on the following dates to accommodate the. Alive after Five concerts: May 23, June 20, August 22, September 26, and VOTING DELEGATE - 2024 CITYVISION NCLM - ANNUALI BUSINESS MEETING Upon a motion made by Councilmember Strickland, seconded by Councilmember Ruggles, and passed unanimously, Mayor Pro Tem Becton was appointed as the voting delegate for the 2024 CityVision NCL League ofl Municipalities Annual Business Meeting. The voting will take place electronically per the North Carolina League of Municipalities.  October 24, 2024.  BUDGET -ORDINANCE AMENDMENT some activities in the operating budget.  Finance Director Stafford stated that the following amendment was to clean up Upon a motion made by Councilmember Strickland, seconded by Councilmember Ruggles, it passed unanimously to adopt the following budget ordinance amendment(s):  Budget Ordinance. Amendment Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget  #2024.04.02  BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council ofthe City of Clinton, NC, that the following amendment be made to the Annual Budget Ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024; amended on November 14, 2023; and February 6, 2024;is  hereby amended as follows:  Section 1. To amend the General Fund, the expenditures are tol be changed as follows:    Account # 10-5100-5401 10-5100-5402 10-5100-5404 10-5300-3601 10-5600-3400 10-5600-5402 10-5600-7100 10-5600-7200 10-5610-0200 10-5610-4500 10-5900-1700 10-6200-0200 10-6200-0700 10-6200-1500 10-6200-5401 10-6200-5403 10-6400-1600 10-6600-0800 10-6600-3700 10-6600-5404 10-6600-7300 10-6600-7400  Account Title workers comp insurance/auto insurance/public liability turn out equipment small tools insurance auto capital outlay storm drainage salaries contract service maintenance auto salaries retirement bldg maint. workers comp bldg. insurance maint/repair equip. contribution other agency out of state sales tax general liability Capital outlay improvements capital outlay  Increase Decrease $8,000 $6,200 $9,600 $3,800 $2,000 $1,400 $17,300 $95,000 $25,000 $50,000 $6,400 $7,200 $12,000 $8,000 $1,800 $2,000 $5,000 $7,500 $9,000 $32,500 $40,300  Total  $25,000  TOTAL EXPENDITURES  $350,000 $25,000 325,000  Section 2. To amend the General Fund, the revenues are to be changed as follows:  Account # 10-3290-0000  Account Title interest earned  Increase Decrease $325,000  Total  TOTAL: REVENUES  $325,000  $325,000  Section 3. Copies oft this budget amendment shall be furnished to the City Clerk, City  Manager, and Finance Director: for their direction.    REPORTS  The monthly combined staff report was acknowledged.  STAFF) REPORTS  There were no staff reports. CITY MANAGER REPORTS  City Manager Duncan informed the group that Spring Clean-up Week is April 15-19, 2024. He recognized Parks and Recreation Director Jonathan Allen, whose last day with the City of Clinton willl be April 4th. City Manager Duncan stated that he willl be going to Fremont, NC, to be the town administrator starting on Tuesday, April 9th,  City Manager Duncan, Police Chief Davis, and Fire ChiefThornton presented to Mayor Starling and the City Council, updated pictures oftheir staff. Mayors Starling had  requested updated pictures ofthese departments.  PUBLIC COMMENTS  No one appeared for public comments.  OTHER BUSINESS  Mayor Starling read a letter from Sheriff Jimmy Thornton regarding appreciation for assistance at Hobbton Middle School recently by our Clinton Police Department. Mayor Starling requested that the letter be placed in our minutes. (SEE ATTACHMENT  #2).  CONTINUATION  Upon a motion made by Councilmember Strickland, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Becton, it passed unanimously to continue this. April 2, 2024, City Council meeting until April 23, 2024, at 5:00 PM in the City Hall. Auditorium for a budget workshop and any other relevant business-although initially, the City Council adopted a budget calendar  indicating April 16, 2024 tol be the date.  Before adjourning the meeting, Mayor Starling presented a cupcake with candle to a regular attendee of the meetings, Mrs. Patty Peterson-Cherry. Recently, Mrs. Cherry was blessed to witness another birthday--85 years.young. The group sang, Happy    Birthday," to her.  Immediately afterward, upon a motion made by Councilmember Strickland, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Becton, it passed unanimously to adjourn the April 2, 2024,  City Council meeting.  The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:54 PM.  FAN 1 hat Elaine F. Hunt, City Clerk, MMC, NCCMC  LL Lew Starhng-lFMayor    ATTACHMENT * #1  Fire Recovery, Services USA  1- The initial fee for starting the contract back is $500.00 reactivation fee. This can be paid for up front or taken out of the first paid runs.  2- Fire Recovery Services' cost - is 22% of each call that is submitted. If we don't stop sendingin calls the contract does not expire or must be renewed.  3- We set up the contract how we want too. We can choose to only billinsurance companies and not individuals without insurance. These fees are alreadyincluded in each insurance coverage home or auto. So, this is not an extra fee that the person would be charged, it has already been  paid.  4- Agencies in or around the Sampson County, Clinton area that are already using this service include Princeton, Benson, Meadow, Smithfield, AC Delco, Leland, Lumberton, Pembroke.    5- Any Animal Bi-product Spill will be coded "Biological Hazard, confirmed or suspected" "451"in our reporting system. And we will charge the insurance company the hours the engine companyis on each call. Cost for each engine company per hour is $554.00. This is billed to the insurance company of the truck that spilled the  Bi-Product.  6-1 The City Councilapproved for the Fire Dept tto use this service in 2012. From July 3, 2012toJuly: 20, 2021 Clinton Fire Dept used Fire Recovery during this period and had a collection rate of 61%. Clinton Fire Deptcollected in the ballpark of $129,414.00 Dinanine-year span on 224 claims averaging $577.74collected perinvoice.  7- Ifc Clinton Fire Dept has the council's approvalon this we could go back to January 1, 2024 and bill for each wreck. To calendar date Clinton Fire Dept has responded to 32 wrecks and 1 car fire. If billed for each one the totalincome would be $22,501.00. PLEASE REMEMBER WE ONLY    RECEIVED 61% OF ALL SUBMITTED CALLS PREVIOUSLY WHEN WE HAD THIS SERVICE. THIS NUMBER IS ONLY A ESTIMATE AND NOT A EXACT  NUMBER.    ATTACHMENLEZ  OFTHES SHERIFE ORNTON SON COUKTT  OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF  GSONCO  County of Sampson, NC 1121 Fontana Street, Clinton, NC 28328  SHERIFF  SHERIFF JIMMY THORNTON  March 21, 2024  Chief Anthony Davis Clinton Police Department 222 Lisbon Street Clinton, NC 28328  RE: Appreciation for assistance - Hobbton Middle School  Dear Anthony,  lwould like to express my appreciation fori the assistance rendered by your agency on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, regarding the firearm incident at Hobbton Middle School. Unfortunately, the incident occurred as students were departing for the day and there was confusion regarding multiple students' involvement in addition to the possibility ofas second The personnel and K-91 that responded to assist with the facility search and interpretation were greatly appreciated. We conducted two searches of the building and grounds to ensure that no other firearm was on the premises before school resumed today. Your personnel were key in helping to mitigate the possibility of an unrecovered firearm for student and staff safety. Once again, lappreciate the assistance. Iflorn my staff can be of assistance to you, please do  firearm that could not be accounted for.  not hesitate to call me.  Sincerely,  894 Jimmy Thornton Sheriff of Sampson County, NC  CC: Mayor Starling file  Office: (910) 592-4141 . Fax: (910) 592-8841-Emergenoy: 911