River Bend Town Council Work Session Minutes February 8, 2024 Town Hall 7:00 p.m. Mayor John Kirkland Lisa Benton Barbara Maurer Jeff Weaver Buddy Sheffield Brian Leonard Delane Jackson Kristie Nobles Trey Ferguson Sean Joll 5  Present Council Members:  Absent Council Member: Town Manager: Town Clerk: Town Attorney: Police Chief:  Members of the Public Present: CALLT TO ORDER  Mayor Kirkland called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at the  River Bend Town Hall with a quorum present. VOTE-Approval of Agenda unanimously.  Councilwoman Benton motioned to accept the agenda as presented. The motion carried  Discussion FY 23-24 Audit Contract  The Finance Director, Mandy Gilbert, stated that the Town had utilized Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams, and Company as their auditors for the past fiscal year. She said that she was very impressed with them and recommends that the Town utilize their services for the upcoming fiscal year. The Town Manager agreed. Councilman Leonard stated that the audit procedure for fiscal year 22-23 went very smoothly and was filed on time. He stated that the Council would vote on renewing the auditor's contract for fiscal year 23-24 at the next Council meeting. The Town Manager stated that the John R. Kirkland Public Works Building has been completed and the final cost was lower than what was budgeted. He stated that this budget amendment would move the contingency funds back to the General Fund, Water Fund, and the Sewer Fund. Councilwoman Maurer moved to approve the Capital Project Budget Amendment as presented.  Discussion = Capital Project Budget Amendment  VOTE - Capital Project Budget Amendment The motion carried unanimously. (see attached) Discussion - Capital Project  The Town Manager stated that the leaf and limb program has exceeded its budgeted amount. He stated that there was an additional pick up offered this year and he felt that the elimination of bagging leaves and the abnormal amount of windstorms contributed to the increased amount of  leaves to be collected.    RiverE Bend Town Council February8,2 2024 Work SessionN Minutes Page2of10  VOTE = Budget Amendment motion carried unanimously. (see attached)  Counciwoman Maurer motioned to approve Budget Amendment 23-B-05 as presented. The  Discussion = Capital Project Ordinance for Water Treatment Plant  The Town Manager stated that the Town of River Bend has received the letter of intent to fund from the State of North Carolina and the Town will be receiving over 9 million dollars for a new Water Treatment Plant. He stated that the Council would need to officially adopt the Capital Project Fund Ordinance to construct a new Water Treatment Plant to move forward with the  project.  VOTE - Capital Project Ordinance for Water Treatment Plant  Counciwoman Maurer motioned to approve the Capital Project Ordinance for the Water Treatment Plan as presented. The motion carried unanimously. (see attached) DISCUSSION-: Site Evaluation Report for Water Treatment Plant  The Town Manager stated that he had received the Land Acquisition Site Evaluation Report for 509 Old Pollocksville Road, which is the site location for the proposed new Water Treatment Plant. He said that the report stated that the property is determined to be suitable for  development as a proposed Water Treatment Plant. DISCUSSION - Lighting for Walking Trail  Councilman Weaver stated that the Council has been discussing adding lighting for the walking trail since October of 2021 and there has been a lot of interest from residents regarding adding lighting. He stated that he would like to receive input from the Council this week and vote at the regular meeting, the following week. Councilman Weaver asked the Police Chief for his opinion, and he stated that the lighting would address a lot of the safety issues and concerns that the Police Dept. has, along with the communities'. Counciwoman Maurer asked if the fixtures would be dark sky compliant and Councilman Weaver stated that the fixtures would be. Councilman Weaver stated that if the Council choose the Duke Energy option, all of the maintenance would be the responsibility of Duke. Councilman Sheffield stated that Duke would basically own the lighting system. Counciwoman Benton asked Councilman Weaver if he knew how many people use the track and Councilman Weaver stated he did not know an exact number. Councilwoman Benton stated that she would like to have more input from the residents, because the lighting could directly affect those on Gatewood and Lochbridge. She stated that she thinks it would make the town safer, but she would like more input from the residents. Councilman Sheffield asked how many lights were included in the Duke quote and Manager Jackson stated that there are 11. Councilman Sheffield stated that he thought that was an expensive amount and Counciwoman Benton agreed. Manager Jackson stated that if the Town owned the lighting system it would be approximately $292 per month and Duke has quoted $300 a month including  all the maintenance.  REVIEW - Agenda for the February 15, 2024, Council Meeting The Council reviewed the agenda for the February 15, 2024, Council Meeting.  CLOSED SESSION  Councilman Sheffield moved to go into Closed Session under NCGS 143-318.11(0)3/5) to discuss the possible acquisition of land owned by Weldon Brown, Jr. and Naqueldon Brown for the location of a new water treatment facility. The Council entered Closed Session at 7:39 p.m. Councilman Sheffield moved to return to Open Session at 7:56 p.m. The motion carried  OPEN SESSION unanimously.    River Bend Town Council February8 8, 2024 Work Session! Minutes Page3of10  ADOURNMENIRECESS  There being no further business, Councilman Sheffield moved to adjourn. The motion carried  unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:57 p.m.  Mninol Kristie J. Noblès, CMC, NCCMC  Town Clerk    River BendT Town Council February8 8, 2024 Work Session! Minutes Page 4of10  TOWN OF RIVER BEND  PUBLIC WORKS CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND ORDINANCE, AMENDMENT #2  BEITORDAINED byt the Council oft the Town of River Bend, North Carolina, that the Public Works Capital Projects Fund Ordinance as last amended on September 27, 2022, be amended ast follows: Section 1. The following amounts are hereby appropriated fori the operation ofa a Town Capital Projects Fund  for the construction ofa al Public Works Building:  CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND  Revenues:  Operating Transfer from General Fund Operating Transfer from Sewer Capital Reserve Fund Operating Transfer from Water Capital Reserve Fund Operating Transfer from Sewer Fund Operating Transfer from Water Fund Interest Earned Expenditures: Architectural Services (toreflecta actualcost) Land Acquisition Legal Services Miscellaneous Construction Contingency  906,658 11,265 245,088 442,063 208,240 75,000 1,888,314 65,920 60,000 1,125 45,962 1,715,307 0 1,888,314  Section 2. Itis estimated that revenues int the amounts indicated int thet foregoing schedule willl be available to support Section 3. The Finance Officer ish hereby authorized to maintain an appropriate Fund Chart of Accounts. Section 4. Copies oft this Ordinance shall bet furnished tot the Clerk, Town Council, Budget Officer and Finance Officer Section5. The capital projects funds are appropriated pursuant tos section 13.2 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina; therefore, appropriations do not lapse att the end oft thef fiscal year and are available for the duration oft the project, estimated tol be eighteen months, unless subsequently amended by Council action.  the foregoing appropriations.  tol be kept oni file byt them for their direction int the disbursement of funds.  Adopted this 8th day off February,2024. John BKirkland, Mayor. AR Attest:  RIVER BE INCORPORATED SEAL 1981  45t  O <ristie. J. Nobles, Town  NCCMC 5  Clerk, CMC,    River BendT Town Council February8, 2024 Work Session! Minutes Page 5of10  TOWN OF RIVERI BEND BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT2 23-B-05 FISCALY VEAR2023-2024  BEI ITC ORDAINED byt the Council oft thel Town of River Bend, North Carolina that the 2023-2024 Budget Ordinance  asl last amended on. January1 11, 2024, be amended asf follows:  Summary  General Fund General Capital Reserve Fund Law Enforcement: Separation. Allowance Fund Water Fund Water Capital Reserve Fund Sewer Fund Sewer Capital Reserve Fund Total General Fund  2,246,559 56,900 12,685 655,804 10 679,504 1 3,651,463  Section1. Anticipated Revenues  AD' VALOREM' Taxes 2023-2024 AD' VALOREM Tax-Motor Vehicle Animal Licenses Sales Tax 1% Article 39 Sales Tax 1/2%/ Article 40 Sales Tax 1/2%A Article 42 Sales Tax Article 44 Sales Tax Hold Harmless Distribution Solid Waste Disposal Tax Powell Bill Allocation Beer and Wine Tax Video Programming: Sales Tax Utilities Franchise Tax Telecommunications: Sales Tax Court Refunds Zoning Permits Miscellaneous Interest- Powell Bill Investments Interest-General Fundl Investments Contributions Wildwood: Storage Rents Rents & Concessions Sale of FixedA Assets Transfer From Capital Reserve Fund Transfer From PW Capital Projects Fund Appropriated Fund Balance Total  935,566 90,000 1,500 195,868 114,635 97,901 13,090 108,195 2,200 100,486 13,225 49,621 112,169 6,725 500 7,000 16,200 50 20,000 901 18,144 18,000 4,600 43,504 57,720 218,759 2,246,559  Page1of5    River BendT Town Council February8 8, 2024 Work Session! Minutes Paget 60f10  Section 1. Authorized Expenditures  General Fund (continued) Governing Body Administration Finance Taxl Listing Legal Services Elections Police Public Buildings Emergency: Services Animal Control Street Maintenance Public' Works Leaf & Limb and Solid Waste Stormwater Management Wetlands and' Waterways Planning & Zoning Recreation & Special Events Parks & Community Appearance Contingency Transfer To General Capital Reserve Fund Transfer Tol L.E.S.A. Fund Total  47,350 332,000 131,306 13,700 40,090 0 769,335 102,000 2,870 16,225 271,050 186,050 77,606 44,840 2,900 55,000 11,100 55,130 20,807 55,000 12,200 2,246,559  Section 2. Anticipated Revenues  General Capital Reserve Fund Contributions from General Fund Interest Revenue Total  55,000 1,900 56,900 43,504 13,396 56,900  Authorized Expenditures  Transfer to General Fund Future Procurement  Section 3. Anticipated Revenues:  Law Enforcement! Separation Allowance Fund  Contributions from General Fund Interest Revenue Total Separation. Allowance Future LEOSSA Payments Total  12,200 485 12,685 0 12,685 12,685  Authorized Expenditures:  Page 2 of5    River Bend" Town Council February 8, 2024 Work Session! Minutes Page7of10  Section4. Anticipated Revenues  WaterFund  Utility Usage Charges, Classes 1&2 Utility Usage Charges, Classes 3&4 Utility Usage Charges, Class5 5 Utility Usage Charges, Class 8 Utility Customer Base Charges Hydrant Availability Fee Taps & Connections Fees Nonpayment Fees Late payment Fees Interest Revenue Sale of Capital Asset Transfer From PW Capital Projects Fund Appropriated Fund Balance Total Administration &F Finance [1] Operations andI Maintenance Transfer Tol Fund Balance for Capital Outlay Transfer To Water Capital Reserve Fund Total [1JF Portion of department, for bond debts service: Water Capital Reserve Fund Interest Revenue Total  210,591 12,428 15,002 4,644 278,811 19,764 1,250 10,500 7,822 3,488 0 62,551 28,953 655,804 491,804 140,500 23,500 0 655,804 141,157  Authorized Expenditures  Section! 5. Anticipated Revenues  Contributions From Water Operations Fund  0 10 10 10  Authorized Expenditures  Future Expansion & Debt Service  Page 3of5    River Bend Town Council February8, 2024 Work Session! Minutes Page8 8of10  Section 6. Anticipated Revenues:  Sewer Fund  Utility Usage Charges, Classes 1&2 Utility Usage Charges, Classes 3&4 Utility Usage Charges, Class 5 Utility Usage Charges, Class 8 Utility Customer Base Charges Taps & Connection Fees Late payment Fees Interest Revenue Sale of Capital Asset Transfer from PW Capital Projects Fund Appropriated Fund Balance Total Administration &F Finance [2] Operations and Maintenance Transferi to Fund Balance for Capital Outlay Transfer to Sewer Capital Reserve Fund Total [2]F Portion of department; for bond debts service:  267,170 36,679 28,142 16,833 296,108 1,250 8,384 5,836 0 62,551 (43,449) 679,504 483,204 192,800 3,500 0 679,504 121,893  Authorized Expenditures:  Section 7. Anticipated Revenues:  Sewer Capital Reserve Interest Revenue Total  Contributions From Sewer Operations Fund  0 1 1  Authorized Expenditures:  Future Expansion & Debt Service  Page 4of5    River Bend Town Council February8, 2024 Work Session Minutes Page 90f10  Section 8.  Levy ofTaxes  There is hereby! levied at tax att the rate of twenty-four cents ($0.24) per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation of propertyas listedf fort taxes as ofJ January 1,2 2023, fori the purpose ofr raising the revenue listeda as' "Ad Valorem Taxes 2023-2024"1 in the General Fund Section 1 of this ordinance. This rate is based ona a valuation of $393,280,000 for purposes oft taxation of real and personal property witha ane estimated rate of collection of 99.12%. Thee estimated collection ratei ist based ont the fiscaly year 2021-2022 collection rate of 99.12% by Craven County who has been contracted' to collect reala and personal propertyt taxes for the" Town of River Bend. Alsoi included isa valuation of $37,500,000 for purposes of taxation of motor vehicles witha  collection rate of 100% by the North Carolina Vehicle Tax System.  Section 9.  Fees and Charges  Therei is hereby established, for Fiscal Vear 2023-2024, various fees and charges as contained in Attachment Aoft this document.  Section 10.  Special Authorization oft the Budget Officer  A. The Budget Officer shall bea authorized tor reallocate any appropriations within departments.  B. The Budget Officer shall be authorized to execute interfund andi interdepartmental transfers in emergency situations. Notification ofa all sucht transfers: shall be made tot the Town Council ati its next meeting following the transfer. C. The Budget Officer shall be authorized to execute interdepartmental. transfers int the: same fund, including contingency appropriations, nott to exceed $5,000. Notification ofa all such transfers shall be madet tot thel Town Council ati its next  meeting following thet transfer.  Section: 11.  Classification: and Pay Plan  Cost ofl Living Adjustment (COLA) for alll Town employees shall be 4.4%a ands shall begin thei first payroll int the newf fiscaly year. The Town Manager is hereby authorized to grant meriti increases tol Towne employees, when earned, pert thea approved Pay Plan.  Section 12.  Utilization of the! Budget Ordinance  This ordinance shall bet the! basis of thet financial planf fort the Town of River Bendi municipalg government during the 2023-2024 fiscaly year. Thel Budget Officer shall administer the Annual Operating Budget ands shalle ensure thec operating staffa and officials are provided with guidance ands sufficient detailst toi implement their appropriate portion oft thel budget.  Section13.  Copies of this Budget Ordinance  Copies oft this Budget Ordinance shall bet furnished tot the Clerk, Town Council, Budget Officer and Finance Officer to be kept  ont file byt themi for their direction int the disbursement off funds. Adopted this 8th dayoffebruany,2024, 7 EAE  RIVER 6 INCORPORATED SEAL 1981  Attest:  Mhins KristieJ J.I Nobles, Townclerk, CMC, NCCMC  Page! 5of5    River Bend Town Council February8 8, 2024 Work Session! Minutes Page 10of10  TOWN OF RIVER BEND  WATER TREATMENT PLANT CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND ORDINANCE  BEI ITO ORDAINED by the Council of thel Town of River Bend, North Carolina:  Section1. The following amounts are hereby appropriated for the operation of al Town Capital Projects Fund  fort the construction ofa ar new' Water Treatment Plant:  CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND  Revenues: State of North Carolina Grant Appropriations: Administration Engineering Construction  9,393,000 85,000 1,386,000 7,922,000 9,393,000  Section2. Itis estimated that revenues int thea amounts indicatedi in thet foregoing schedule willl be available tos support Section 3. The Finance Officeri isl hereby authorizedi tor maintain an appropriate Fund Chart of Accounts. Section 4. Copies of this Ordinance shall be furnished tot the Clerk, Town Council, Budget Officer and Finance Officer Section! 5. The capital projects funds are appropriated pursuant to section 13.2 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina; therefore, appropriations do not lapse att thee end oft thet fiscal year and are available for the duration oft the project, estimated tol be eighteen months, unless subsequently amended by Council action.  the foregaingaproprations.  to! be kept oni file by them fori their direction int the disbursement of funds.  Adopted this 8th day of February,2024. GAE  RIVER INCORPORATED SEAL 1981  Attest:  stt nols Kristie. J.I Nobles, TowaClerk, CMC, NCCME