Town of Hertford Town Regular Session Minutes Monday, March 8, 2021 7:30 PM Town ofHertford Community Center  The Town of Hertford's Town Council held the Regular Session on Monday, March 8, 2021.  Mayor Earnell Brown called the meeting to order at 7:53 pm,  COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT Jackson, and Councilman Jerry Mimlitsch.  Mayor Earnell Brown, Mayor Pro Tem Ashley Hodges, Councilman Frank Norman, Councilman  STAFF PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT Brothers.  Town Manager Pamela Hurdle, Attorney Ben Gallop, Police Staff, and Police Chief Dennis Brown. Barry Ford, Gracie Felton, Susan Cyr, Sandra Anderson, Murielle Harmon, Matt Cyr, and Connie  The invocation was offered by Councilman Mimlitsch.  Pledge of Allegiance was cited. agenda as presented.  ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA  AJ motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Hodges and seconded by Councilman Mimlitsch to approve the Discussion- Councilman Norman stated that the agenda packet was not received inadequate time. Councilman Jackson stated that some oft the items continued from the previous month are not on the agenda. Mayor Brown stated that a call for agenda items was asked for on February 12th. After al brief  discussion, Mayor Brown called for the vote. The vote:  Councilman Mimlitsch Yay Councilman Norman Councilman Jackson Pro Tem Hodges Mayor Brown The vote was 3-2  Nay Nay Yay Yay  The Council voted to approve the agenda as presented.  APPROVALOF MINUTES  Mayor Pro Tem Hodges made a motion to approve 2.3.2020, 2.10.2020, 2.13.2021, 6.1.2020, 6.8.2020, 7.6.2020, 7.13.2020, 8.3.2020, 12.7.2020, 12.15.2020, 1..2021,2.8.2021, 2.9.2021, and2.11.2021 Discussion: Councilman Norman stated he did not get the agenda packet until the weekend. Mayor Pro Tem stated the Governing Body had the minutes since February 17h. The Mayor called for the vote. The  minutes. The motion was seconded by Councilman Mimlitsch.  vote:  Councilman Mimlitsch Yay Councilman Norman Councilman Jackson Town Council Regular Session  Nay Nay  March 8, 2021  Page 1of9        Pro Tem Hodges Mayor Brown The vote was 3-2.  Yay Yay  The Council voted to approve the minutes for 2.3.2020, 2.10.2020, 2.13.2021,6.1.2020, 6.8.2020, 7.6.2020, 7.13.2020, 8.3.2020, 12.7.2020, 12.15.2020, 12041,28.01.292022 and 2.11.2021. Matthew Cyr- Front Street Hertford. Mr. Cyrs spoke on the Hertford Police Department merging with the Sheriff Department. He asked the Council to consider this to save money, this is being done around the country, making sure the Sheriff department will employ the officers, and ifthe Council to do a study to  CITIZEN CONCERNS  identify how money can be saved. March 8,2021  Sara Winslow- Phelps Street Hertford. Ms. Winslow read the following letter:  Thank you, Mayor Brown and Council members for the opportunity to speak.  A couple ofthese issues I was going to address at last month'sr meeting. However, I was informed by ChiefE Brown when I arrived that allowed attendance was at capacity; no other citizens would be allowed in. Five other citizens were turned away at the same time. Yet, additional folks were Ihave had several citizens express concern relative to the condition of the drives and poor condition in Cedarwood (new parts) and Edenton Road Cemeteries. The Town ofHerford owns and sells the plots in these cemeteries; thus, iti is the Town's responsibility to maintain. Water standing and some people almost getting stuck visiting family graves, certainly not acceptable.  allowed in after we left. Double standard?  Even before all the monsoon rains, we have had.  Michael Stallings Trucking - Price per ton delivered (just materials)  #57 stone - $32 per ton Crush and Run $26 per ton Slag $23 per ton (may hold the best) Would probably need 4 - 6inches  Ihave read the 15 sets of TC meeting minutes posted on the Town's webpage and presented in February for approval. When I looked over the agenda for tonight's meeting 4 sets of minutes have been removed from the February list. Not surel how some WS and RS minutes can be identical in text. No doubt that an English teacher would run out of redi ink on these. Numerous times I have cited the requirements of minutes int thel NCGS and Town Charter/Ordinance Why is the approved 2020/2021 Town ofH Hertford Budget not on the website? Only the On February 22, the water line to my home was broken again for the third time in last several months as a result of the bridge work. Between February 22-26, my path was blocked for access for over 161 hours by Town of Hertford Vac Truck, equipment or plumbing company. Church Street was one lane and at times no one or only one person was directing traffic. and no signage... -great liability to the town. During the time, some personnel were not wearing safety colors. Public Works personnel said, "they were doing the best they could do". The Town did not fix the problem - a plumbing company was hired and, in the process, cut an electrical conduit...which resulted ini no streetlights on Church for several nights. On the 26th the water was cut off on Church Street -II have not talked with anyone who received notification that this  (December 15, 2020). Looks like still 15 sets not complete.  recommended budget.  Town Council Regular Session  March 8, 2021  Page 2of9        was going to happen or when water was restored. The plumbing contractor and NCDOT informed me that the Town was supposed to have notified (water shut offa at 10:30 AM) those effected. So much for the new call alert system! Ir received no notification from the Town relative to loss of access when water was to be shut off or when restored. Where is a little common courtesy?1 left amessage at the Municipal Building at 11:15. AM and requested a call ASAP that afternoon... .still no call. The Town has not flushed hydrants/lines for any oft these... clearing the lines of"crud". So, the residents are having run gallons and gallons of water.. . charged to their water and sewer use bills.. .to clear their lines when it is no fault oft theirs. How fair is this? Irequest that these comments are added to the official record and I receive a written response. Gilbert Vaughn- Ocean Hwy. Hertford. Mr. Vaughn stated he looked in the Perquimans Weekly and saw the elimination of the Police department. He also visited around twol hundred houses and talked to approximately sixty-three residents, with fifty-nine stating the police department should stay and six residents stating they did not want to get involve or did not know oft thei information. Mr. Vaughn stated that if the Town put the police department to the sheriff department, it does save money because the Town has to pay the County and the overhead oft the sheriff department. The Sheriffs department will have to pay the same amount of people, pay the administration, and paying the County you will have to pay the overhead. The Town will lose money. Mr. Vaughn stated he just does not want anyone to lose Quentin. Jackson- 114 W. Grubb Street. Mr. Jackson stated since he has been with the local government, he hears that people saying they work with the federal government. Mr.. Jackson stated the two are different as the police and the sheriff. Mr. Jackson stated there willl be a domino effect such as the court cases. Mr.. Jackson named young men that were from Hertford and killed in Hertford. Mr.. Jackson voiced tol know Hertford you will know what is PQ means or be able to cite the principal's names. Mr. Jackson stated items to Mayor Pro Tem Hodges such as integrity, will not raise campaign funds during Mayor Pro Tem's election, and releasing a taped conversation between Mr. Jackson and Mayor Pro Tem Hodges. Mr. Jackson apologized to Mayor Brown for the comments he made to her. He stated that Mayor Brown Dennis Brown- Hiland Park Hertford. Mr. Brown wanted to thank the citizens, former and present council, and anyone that has made his time in Hertford memorable. He received a disturbing phone call from one of! his officers about the police department being disbarred. Mr. Brown stated that he would be fired if he put ini the newspaper that his officers may lose their jobs and be notified by the newspaper. He would not do this to the officers and do not accept it should be done to the officers. Even though iti isa fact-finding expedition, it sends the message to the officers that they need to get another. job. Councilman Jackson made a motion and seconded by Councilman Norman (because of the heating system fan, the motion could not be heard). No vote on the motion was done. Mr. Brown thanked everyone for the great opportunity. Frank Norman- Mr. Norman congratulated the police chief for al, the things he has done for the police department and town. Mr. Norman spoke about minutes on the website. Mr. Norman gave the example oft the Town turning over the recreation department to the County and the Town struggles with getting to the rec center and having the building open to using it. Mr. Norman spoke on the 911 bill. He stated that everything the Town has turned over to the Town has cost the Town more and has gotten less service. Mr. Norman stated that the safety and well-being oft this community are. just as important as the Connie Brothers- 504 Willow Street. Ms. Brothers spoke on halfofher daughter. Ms. Brothers want to know what are the criteria for parking, land identified by GIS that the Town owns, and how can the Town help them with the use ofthis land. Ms. Brothers requested that she be answered in writing. Sgt. Roman- Hertford Police officer. Sgt. Roman stated hel has been in law enforcement for twelve years and to learn about the disbandment of the police department for the newspaper is disrespectful. In 2019, the crime rate in Hertford rose nine percent. The council members that were elected should represent a balance ofall people. The department has lost the trust oft the staff and lost the trust oft the town' s citizens.  Thank you  Sara E. Winslow, 102 Phelps Street  their grandson lie he lost his.  can be a great advocate for the community and the youth.  Waterfront project.  Town Council Regular Session  March 8, 2021  Page 3of9        Det. Chitwood- Det. Chitwood introduced himselfs since most have not come toi introduce themselves. Det. Chitwood has twelve years of experience in law enforcement. Det. Chitwood explained how much the department has done in as short time. He has assisted with dispatch solutions, eliminated some overtime, ai map, revitalized old police forms, creating a community cleanup, and drug cleanup n the community. He asked what kind of official tells about department disbandment in a newspaper or does Det. Zepetella- Det. Zepp was formerly employed in Fayetteville, NC. Det. Zepp asked the council if they knew how the department operates on a day-to-day basis. The department has improved the documentation of cases, code enforced on fourteen houses, done four searched and sixteen warrant cases, Officer Polumbo- Officer Polumbo stated micro-managing the police department is not good. Emotionally, Officer Polumbo spoke on the town council's actions and the town council does not know what they are doing. Officer Polumbo ended his speech that he is from Fayetteville NC: and a veteran. Corporal Knigge- Corporal Knigge stated he has engaged with the community and believes that is what a small community does. Corporal Knigge stated he is trained in communications. Corporal Knigge also stated that the qualities that are within the police department force, will not be gotten ifthe Council chooses to go the other way. He ended with law enforcement is ine every one ofthe officers. He asked that Administrative Support Specialist Sharion Sumrall- Ms. Sumrall spoke on trust. Ms. Sumrall stated shame on all of you. Ms. Sumrall stated that she was shocked to hear about the news oft the police department. Ms. Sumrall stated she have witnessed a monopoly of officers that stated they would leave the employment oft the Town ifPam Hurdle, then the executive assistant would become the manager. They held to their words. She asked them why would you condemn a person before giving them a chance. The police department has lost applicants by the applicants reading online about what is going on in Hertford. She stated that many applied and get hired but their hiring employment ist to keep their certification. Ms. Sumrall stated today, the police department has an A-Team, two awesome officers that have solved numerous cases, and corporal and officers that are not scared to do theirj jobs. Ms. Sumrall stated shame on you and the statement (ofdisbandment) should have never been entertained. Ms. Sumrall closed her speech by thanking Chief Brown for believing in her, pushing her to her limits, receiving all Mayor Brown thanked the police department for them attending the meeting and being honest.  not evaluate all departments including their own concerning the budget.  int thirty-one days.  the officers be allowed to do their jobs the best they can and their know-how.  the certifications and training, and he will be missed.  CONTINUED BUSINESS No continued business. NEW BUSINESS  Establish the Youth Centeri in the Hertford Community Center. Resolution. 3.8.2021-1 Resolution to Establish the Youth Center in the Town of Hertford's Community Center WHEREAS, the Town of Hertford's Community Center is a perfect location for a youth center. Itis within the town limits, walking distance ofs youth populated communities, the Perquimans High School, and WHEREAS, the Town of Hertford's Community Center is currently vacant, requires a minimum renovation, WHEREAS, the Town ofHertford's Community Center is adjacent to existing basketball and tennis courts, across the street from Missing Mill Park for fishing and cookouts, and the Carolina Moon Theater for after- WHEREAS, the Town ofH Hertford's Community Center is surrounded by amenities applicable toa Youth Center,i.e., shuffleboard, small playground equipment, and enough green space for a garden where  Resolution 3.8.2021-1  Hertford Grammar School. andi is owned by the Town ofl Hertford. school theater activities.  Town Council Regular Session  March 8, 2021  Page 4of9        the youth can plant vegetables and learn about nutrition.  WHEREAS, the Town of Hertford's Community Center floor plan includes al kitchen, male and female restrooms, individual rooms for classrooms, a computer lab, and a large floor space for programs. WHEREAS, the youth of Hertford do not have a safe productive location to gather, socialize and learn. The Youth Center will provide a facility and programs offering academic enrichment, career awareness and readiness, character and leadership development, recreation, and health/wellness activities. It will providea place where classes can be conducted addressing education, accountability, social skills, tutoring programs, mental health, role models, helping children toi identify their future/dreams, internet access, finances, WHEREAS, the Town of Hertford's Community Youth Center will be located at 305 Grubb Street, Hertford, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Governing Body takes the following actions in support 1. Approve a section ofthe Town ofHertford's Community Center for the Youth Center. (See 2. Identify funding int the FY2021-2022 budget cycle for building renoyationsrepairs, toi install Wi-Fi and fund building operation, i.e., utilities, Wi-Fi, and insurance. 3. Approve the' Town Manager to provide oversight for building renoyations/repairs, to install Wi-Fi, and manage funding for building operation, i.e., utilities, Wi-Fi, and insurance.  connecting with and/or establishing civil/social groups.  NC27944. ofthese objectives:  attached) diagram.  Presented to the Hertford Town Council for Approval 8  March 2021  Earnell Brown, Mayor  (ATTEST)  Pamela Hurdle, Deputy Clerk  Councilman Jackson made a motion to table Resolution 3.8.2021-land it was seconded by Councilman Discussion: Councilman Norman stated he did not receive the agenda packet in time to read over the resolution. Councilman Jackson stated he will not be voting for this resolution and added how much will it cost to insure the building and other costs when the' Town is scraping the police department. Mayor Pro Tem stated do more for the youth in the community andi it can be part oft the budget cycle. Mayor Brown called for  Norman.  the vote. The vote: Councilman Mimlitsch Yay Councilman Norman Councilman Jackson Pro Tem Hodges Mayor Brown The vote was 4-1  Yay Yay Yay Nay  Council voted to table Resolution 3.8.2021-1. Town Council Meeting Protocol Resolution 3.8.2021-2  Town Council Regular Session  March 8, 2021  Page 5of9    Resolution Town of Hertford's" Town Council Meeting Protocol  Resolution 3.8.2021-2  WHEREAS, the Town of Hertford Governing Board voted, June 2020, to follow the "Suggested Rules of WHEREAS, the Town Manager and Town Clerk prepares the draft agenda. The Mayor plays a major role in preparing draft agendas. The draft agenda is forwarded to the entire Governing Board toi include their comments, WHEREAS, last-minute additions toi the agenda are only allowed ift they are supported by a majority of members WHEREAS, the Officiator (Mayor) of the meetings executes the right to, "Without objection, the Mayor may call agenda items in any order most convenient for the dispatch of business." Rule 16. Order of Business, Page 30. WHEREAS, "no member may speak more than twice on the same substantive motion. However, the debate shall alternate between proponents and opponents oft the measure." Rule 25, Debate, Page36. Ifone or more members speak in favor ori in opposition ofa motion, and theirs speech is not opposed by the remaining members, debate is concluded and a vote is called for by the Officiator, as iti is impossible to continue in an alternating manner. WHEREAS, . : minutes should contain mainly a record of what was done at the meeting, not what was said! by the NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Governing Body takes the following actions in support of 1. All council members shall review the agenda as it evolves and include their agenda items, with background information tot the Town Clerk at least two working days before the date oft the meeting. This to avoid the bi- monthly hourly debates over the contents, placement, or lack of supporting documentation. Rule 13, Agenda, 2. The Agenda package shall be prepared that includes, for eachi item of business listed on the draft agenda, as much background information on the topic as is available and feasible to provide and be furnished to each 3. "Ar member's first speech on as substantive motion shall be limited to IO minutes and any second speech on the same motion shall be limited toj five minutes. The same rules apply to debate on aj procedural motion, except thal ar member's first speech shall nol exceed five minutes, and any second spccch shall bc limited lo two 4. The meeting minutes need not record discussions, but substance to the discussion. Rule 16. Order of Business,  Procedures for City Council", by Trey Allen, School for Government. input, deletions and adjustments Rule 13, Agenda, Page 25. present and voting. Rule 13,4 Agenda, Page 25.  members." Rule 6, Minutes Required: for All Meetings, Page 13.  these objectives:  Page 25.  member at least 24 hours before the meeting." Rule 13, Agenda, Page 25.,  minutes." Rulc 25, Dobate, Page36.  Page 30.  Presented to the Hertford Town Council for Approval 81 March 2021  Earnell Brown, Mayor Pamela Hurdle, Deputy Clerk  (ATTEST)  Mayor Brown read Resolution 3.8.2021-2. Councilman Jackson asked Attorney Gallop Councilman Jackson and Councilman Norman to oppose the resolution because of duplication of what is alreadya a rule. Mayor Pro Tem Hodges made the motion to accept Resolution 3.8.2021-2. and it was seconded by  Councilman Mimlitsch. Mayor Brown called for the vote. The vote:  Councilman Mimlitsch Yay Councilman Norman Councilman Jackson Pro Tem Hodges Mayor Brown The vote was 3-2.  Nay Nay Yay Yay  Council voted to approve Resolution 3.8.2021-2. Town Council Regular Session  March 8, 2021  Page 6 of9    Online Platforms Resolution. 3.8.2012-3  Resolution Establishing Council Points of Contact for Online Platform  Resolution 3.8.2021-3  WHEREAS, the Town of Hertford Governing Body (referred to as "the Governing Body" hereafter) desires to establish clear lines of responsibility for the administration of the Town's various online communication platforms, specifically Zoom, the Hertford Plan page on Publicinput.com, the Town of WHEREAS, the Town of Hertford Charter Sec. 6a and Town of Hertford Code of Ordinances Article 1-1 Sections 1-5, 1-13, and 1-14a assign the authority to preside over meetings toi thel Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem WHEREAS, the Town of Hertford webpage and Town of Hertford Facebook page is critically important mediums for communicating with current and prospective Town residents, local businesses, external WHEREAS, the content on the Town of Hertford webpage and Town of Hertford Facebook page is WHEREAS, the Governing Body wishes to assign an additional resource to assist the' Town Manager and the Town Clerk in maintaining the Town of Hertford webpage and' Town of Hertford Facebook page; WHEREAS, in his role as Hertford Town Council Representative to the Perquimans County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) Board, Councilman Mimlitsch is already involved in the planning aspects NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Governing Body takes the following actions in 1. Assigns responsibility for the creation and administration (i.e., "host" and' "co-host" designations) ofGoverning Body meetings on the Zoom and Publicinput.com platforms to the Mayor and 2. Requires the Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem to assign responsibility for the creation and administration (i.e., "host and "co-host" designations) of Governing Body meetings on the Zoom and Publiclnput.com platforms to an alternate ini the event they are unable to attend the meeting; 3. Establishes Councilman Mimlitsch, the Town Clerk, and the Town Manager as the exclusive administrators of the Town of Hertford webpage and Town of Hertford Facebook page;  Hertford Website, and the Town ofHertford Facebook page;  in her absence;  agencies, and other organizations interested in Town activities; frequently incomplete, out-of-date, or difficult to find;  ofmany Town and County events; support oft these objectives:  Mayor Pro Tem.  Presented for Approval During 8 March 2021 Regular Session  al hane  Earnell Brown, Mayor Pamela Hurdle, Deputy Clerk  (ATTEST)  Mayor ProTem Hodges read the resolution. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Hodges and seconded Discussion: Councilman Jackson spoke to1 the citizens. Councilman Jackson stated he was the creator of the Facebook page and he will cancel the Facebook page. Councilman Norman stated there was no conversation or discussion before the resolution was done. After much decision, Mayor Brown called for  by Councilman Mimlitsch to approve Resolution 3.8.2021-3.  the vote.  Town Council Regular Session  March 8, 2021  Page7of9    The vote: Councilman Mimlitsch Yay Councilman Norman Councilman Jackson Pro Tem Hodges Mayor Brown The vote was 3-2.  Nay Nay Yay Yay  Council voted to approve Resolution 3.8.2021-3. Law Enforcement Services Resolution 3.8.2021-4  Mayor Pro Tem Hodges explained the resolution and the intent is to explore alternatives. Mayor Pro Tem made a motion to approve Resolution 3.8.2021-4: and it was seconded by Councilman Mimlitsch. Discussion: Councilman Jackson voiced his concerns about Mayor Pro' Tem Hodges voicing the use of fund balance, sheriff protecting the Town ofHertford, previous conversations of disbanding the police department, and the truth not being cited. Councilman Norman voiced his concerns about the resolution such as information int the emails were: not the truth, electric fund, and its restrictions, utility rates increase, and the knowledge oft the current police department. Councilman Mimlitsch stated he has talked to some oft the police staff. Councilman Mimlitsch stated he does not believe in disbanding the police department but it is known that the Sheriffand Police do not get along. Councilman Mimlitsch stated he believes in the safety ofour town and the Town needs to talk and see what the numbers are and what help is out there. Councilman Mimlitsch stated that he believes there needs to be open communication. The Police staff voice their copcerns and the police staff left the meeting. (Because ofseveral comversations in the room, it was difficult to hear the remaining discussion on Resolution 3.8.2021-4.) Councilman  Jackson made a motion to table the resolution to never weary. The vote:  Councilman Mimlitsch Nay Councilman Norman Councilman Jackson Pro Tem Hodges Mayor Brown The vote was 2-3.  Yay Yay Nay Nay  Council voted to not approve to table the resolution to never weary.  Back to the first motion on the floor that was not voted on -to approve Resolution 3.8.2021-4. The vote:  Councilman Mimlitsch Yay Councilman Norman Councilman Jackson Pro Tem Hodges Mayor Brown The vote was 3-2.  Nay Nay Yay Abstain  Council voted to approve Resolution 3.8.2021-4. A call to adjourn was made and withdrawn. Accept Police Chief Resignation  A motion was made to accept the Police Chief Dennis Brown's resignation and for the Managèr to identify an Acting Chief with the assistance of the Police Chief. Manager Hurdle stated that she and the  Chief have already had the conversation. The vote:  Town Council Regular Session  March 8, 2021  Page 80 of9    Councilman Mimlitsch Yay Councilman Norman Councilman Jackson Pro Tem Hodges Mayor Brown The vote was 5-0.  Yay Yay Yay Yay  Council voted to accept the Police Chief Dennis Brown'sr resignation and fori the Manager to identify an With no other discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Hodges made the motion to adjourn the meeting and it was  Acting Chief with the assistance of the Police Chief.  ADJOURNMENT  seconded by Councilman Mimlitsch. The meeting adjourned at 11:13 pm.  Town Council Regular Session  March 8, 2021  Page 9 of9