February 8, 2022 Page 10 of8  TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2022  TOWN OF SAWMILLS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING  9:00 AM  COUNCIL PRESENT Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson Keith Warren Melissa Curtis Rebecca Johnson COUNCIL ABSENT Mayor Johnnie Greene Joe Wesson  STAFF PRESENT Chase Winebarger Julie. A Good Terry Taylor  CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson called the meeting to order at  approximately 9:08am.  INVOCATION: Councilman Keith Warren gave the invocation.  PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson led the Pledge of Allegiance. ADOPT AGENDA: Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson asked for a motion to adopt the February Rebecca Johnson made ai motion, and Keith Warren seconded, to adopt the February 8, 2022  8, 2022 Agenda.  Agenda. All were in favor.  APPROVE DECEMBER 21, 2021 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson asked for a motion to approve the December 21, 2021 regular meeting minutes. Rebecca Johnson made a motion, and Melissa Curtis seconded, to approve the December 21,  2021 regular meeting minutes. All were in favor.  APRROVE JANUARY 25, 2022 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson asked for a motion to approve the January 25, 2022 regular meeting minutes. Rebecca Johnson made a motion, and Melissa Curtis seconded, to approve the January 25,  2022 regular meeting minutes. All were in favor.    February 8, 2022 Page 2 of8  PUBLIC COMMENT: Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson asked if anyone had any questions or  comments at this time. No one wished to speak RECOGNITIONS:  RECYCLE REWARDS WINNER: Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson announced Cathy Knepp, as the. Janaury Recycle Rewards winner. A credit ofthirty-two dollars ($32.00) will be added  to the current sanitation bill. No Council action was required.  FINANCIAL:  BUDGET AMENDMENT: DEPUTY FINANCE OFFICER APPOINIMENT: Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson stated that with the retiring ofTown of Sawmills Finance Director Karen Clontz in December of 2022, the Town will need to hire and train a replacement. Council will need to approve a budget amendment in the amount of one hundred twenty thousand dollars ($120,000.00), from the General Fund to the Finance Fund, to cover the expenses for the new position of Deputy Finance Director, in the Finance Department. Melissa Curtis made a motion, and Keith Warren seconded, to approve the budget amendment in the amount of one hundred twenty thousand dollars ($120,000.00), from the General Fund to the Finance Fund, to cover the expenses for the new position of] Deputy  Finance Director, in the Finance Department. All were in favor.  APPROVE AUDITORS CONTRACT FOR FY 2020-2021: Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson stated that the current contract with the Town auditors Lowdermilk, Church & Co., L.L.P. needs to be renewed. The renewal contract will cover the period ofJ July 1, 2021 to June 30, Melissa Curtis made a motion, and Rebecca Johnson seconded, to approve a contract with Lowdermilk, Church & Co., L.L.P. ini the amount of $21,315.00 (twenty-one thousand three hundred fifteen dollars) and covering the period of. July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022.  2022.  PUBLIC COMMENT: Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson asked if anyone had any questions or  comments at this time. No one wished to speak.    February 8, 2022 Page3of8  UPDATES:  DECEMBER CODE ENFORCEMENT REPORT: Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated  that there are eighteen (18) code enforcement cases open:  Edith Shatley, 2512 Crest Ln, Rubbish and Zoning Violation. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that on November 23, 2021, a NOV letter was sent for rubbish and unpermitted accessory buildings, also ofpeople living in ai tent in the front yard. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that as ofDecember: 3,2021, there had been no progress Wiley Fletcher, 2502 Crest Ln, Rubbish and Zoning Violation. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that on November 23, 2021, a NOV letter was sent for rubbish being located sporadically on the property, as well as a zoning violation for the accessory buildings located on the property. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that as of Greene Properties, LLC, 4811 Helton Rd, Rubbish. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that on November 23, 2021, a NOV letter, along with a copy of the Town's trash pick up policy, was sent for rubbish sitting at the road. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that as ofl December 3, 2021, the issue has been resolved; Steven Killian, 4801 Helton Rd, Rubbish. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that a NOV: letter, along with a copy ofthe Town' s trash pick up policy, was sent for rubbish sitting at the road. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that as ofI December 3, 2021, rubbish had not been picked up but it seems that the rubbish has been covered with a David and Ashley Hoyle, 2465 Granville Dr, Rubbish. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that on November 23, 2021, a NOV letter was sent. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that as of December 3, 2021, it looks like there has been more rubbish Parker Cox, 2527 Sigmon Dr, Rubbish. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that on November 23, 2021, a NOV: letter was sent. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that asofDecember: 3, 2021, the it has started to be cleaned, but there is still a substantial Gary Hicks, 2520 Sigmon Dr, Rubbish. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that on November 23, 2021, a NOV letter was sent fpr dilapidated amd structures on the property. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that the NOV: letter was returned to the CharlesJ.a and Candis S. Hagaman, 1910Leah Dr. #13, Rubbish. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that on October 29, 2021, he received a complaint from Public Works regarding various different properties on Leah Drive, some of which encroach on Town property. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that there was a NOV letter sent out. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he went by the property on November 9, 2021 and there has been no progress on the issue. Interim Town Planner Alison Adams stated that she spoke to someone on December 15, 2021 and was informed that  on the issues;  December 3, 2021, there had been no progress;  tarp;  added;  amount of rubbish remaining;  Town on November 27, 2021;    February 8, 2022 Page 4 of8  they were hauling a trailer load off on December 16, 2021 and the remaining debris CharlesJ.a and Candis S. Hagaman, 1910Leah Dr. #12, Rubbish. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that on October 29, 2021, he received a complaint from Public Works regarding various different properties on Leah Drive, some of which encroach on Town property. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that there was al NOV letter sent out. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he went by the property on November 9,2021 and there has been some progress on the issue. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that on December 3, 2021, all of the debris has been cleaned, the only issue remaining is an old car that is neither the tenant's car nor the property owner. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that property owner will need to get an attorney tol have Linda G. Wartko, 5299 Lakewood Dr., Rubbish. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that on October 29, 2021, he received a complaint for stacks ofnewspapers and junk piled up around the yard. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he went by the home and observed numerous debris from the road in front, on the sides and all around the home and sent al NOV letter out. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he went to the address on November 9, 2021 and there has been no progress on the issues. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he went by the property on December 3, 2021, and the problem still persists, ifnot worse, and it sees that the newspapers have Jose A Montes and Ana C Robles, 4321 Cherokee Ct. Rubbish. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he received a complaint and a NOV letter was sent out on October 5, 2021 for overgrown grass as well as rubbish all around the yard. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he went by the property on October 12, 2021, and November 9, 2021 and the problem still exists. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated Ronald B and Cynthia H Herman, 4126 Shoun Dr. Rubbish. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he received a complaint and a NOV letter was sent out on September 28, 2021 for many different rubbish items in the yard (lawn mowers, appliances, etc.). Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he went by the property on October 12, 2021 and the problem has started to be addressed, however, not completely. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he went by the property on November 9, 2021, and it looks that the property is almost completely clean. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he went by the property on December 3;2021, and the tenants seem to have accumulated more rubbish in the yard again; Teresa Annas Compton, 4486 Sawmills School Road. Abandoned Mobile Home/Garbage and Rubbish. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated he received a complaint on January 13, 2020. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that a NOV letter was sent out on January 23, 2020 with a deadline of February 10, 2020. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that the trailer is not finished and located on the same property as the Compton house that the Town abated in 2018. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that staff will investigate and work with attorney for possible courses of abatement. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that one (1) of Ms. Compton's  will be taken care of shortly;  the car removed;  been covered with newspapers and leaves;  that he recently learned that the property is in foreclosure;    February 8, 2022 Page 5 of8  sons is scheduled to meet with staff in late February to work towards getting the property in his name and get the property cleaned up. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that staff has is waiting for Ms. Compton's son to schedule a time to come in and speak with staff regarding this property. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he went by the property on September 10, 2020 and the property is still in same condition with extremely high grass and would: recommend demolition. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he has been in contact with Town Attorney Terry Taylor and former Town Planner to get all the evidence for this property. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that on February 19, 2021, the title search process had been started with Town Attorney Terry Taylor. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that on March 11, 2021, there were three (3) heirs found from the title search process and letters had been sent out to all three (3) heirs. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that as of May 11, 2021, fines have started to occur on this property. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that as of June 10, 2021, all information on this case has been handed over to Town Attorney Terry Taylor to explore all options that are. left to close this case. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that as of October 12, 2021 Town Attorey Terry Taylor is still engaged in the legal process oftrying to find heirs to the Thomas Charles Mann, 2228 Horseshoe Acres Dr., Rubbish. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he received a complaint and a NOV letter was sent out on August 31,2021 regarding observation that the property has very large tree clippings and two (2) different trailers located within the right of way. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he went by the property on October 12, 2021, and that the trailers have been moved, but the tree trimmings still remain. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he went by the property on November 5, 2021, and all issues are resolved. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that there was another Complaint received on December 15, 2021, and the site was visited on December 15, 2021, and there is no Charles. J. and Candis S. Hagaman, 1910Leah Dr. #19, Rubbish. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that on October 29, 2021, he received a complaint from Public Works regarding various different properties on Leah Drive, some of which encroach on Town property. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that there was a NOV letter sent out. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he went by the property on November Gloria Brown, 4333 Coblel Ln, Brush and Carpet. Interim Town Planner Alison Adams stated that a complaint was received on December 15,2021 and will sent a NOV letter, along with a copy of the Town'st trash pick up policy, to owner. Town Planner Dustin Jacob Deal, 4426 Sawmills School Road, Rubbish and Junk Vehicles. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that a complaint was received on January 6, 2022 and a NOV letter was sent out on January 12, 2022 and a phone call was made to the property  property;  problem;  9,2021 and the issue has been resolved.  Millsaps stated that the issue has been resolved;  owner.    February 8, 2022 Page 6of8  No Council action was required.  TOWN MANAGER UPDATES: Town Manager Chase Winebarger had the following  updates:  Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that the surveyor is coming the first of February to survey the entire property at 4077 Baird Drive and split the Town Hall section off separate from the park sections ofthe property for grant funding purposes. Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that Parks and Recreation Director Tanner Greene secured a grant for one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) to cover the cost of permanent corn hole boards at Baird Park. Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that the entire project will cost just a little bit more than the grant because the Town intends to concrete the playing area to keep from having to mow and weed eat in and Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that the Town is in the running for a BRIC grant to help with the cost oflifting the South Caldwell Pump Station and the road that Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that he received some draft policies back Town Manager Chase Winebarger updated Council on the Cajah Mountain Road Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that four (4) of the LPR cameras are going Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that a letter ofintent was issued for the rear loader trash truck and the truck will be paid for when it is received. The money for the truck will come out of the fund that was set up to buy a new trash truck if needed. There is approximately three hundred seventy-five thousand dollars ($375,000.00)in the fund and the new truck will be approximately one hundred eighty-five thousand dollars (5185,000.00), leaving approximately one hundred ninety thousand dollars ($190,000.00) in the account should the Town need to start picking trash up again. Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that there has been an inquiry about renting Veterans Park fora a Craft Beer and Barbeque event for. June 24 or. June 25, 2022. Town Manager stated that as long as there was: no objection to this that the Town would rent Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that the Town would need to appoint an Rebecca Johnson made ai motion, and Melissa Curtis seconded, to appoint Mayor Pro  around the structures.  goes into it.  from David Hill and will have them for Council to look at soon.  project. up this week.  itto them. There were: no objections from Council. elected official to be on the Railroad Commission.  Tem Clay Wilson to the Railroad Commission. All were in favor.  Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that he has less than ten (10) applicants for Deputy Finance Officer, but all the applicants are qualified. Town Manager Chase    February 8, 2022 Page 7of8  Winebarger stated that he would like to start the interview process on February 22,  2022, and have someone in the office by March 2022.  CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO N.C.G.S. $143.318-11(A)3): Mayor Pro Tem Clay Rebecca Johnson made a motion, and Keith Warren seconded, to go into closed session pursuant to N.C.G.S. $ 143.318-11(a)(3) at approximately 9:29am. All were in favor. Clay Wilson made a motion, and Keith Warren seconded, to come out of closed session at  Wilson asked for a motion to go into closed session.  approximately 10:14am. All were in favor.  BUDGET AMENDMENT: Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson stated that Council had advised staff to move ahead with the purchase of acreage and buildings at 2670 Mission Road, Hudson, North Carolina, for the amount of eight hundred thousand dollars ($800,000.00). This amount will need to be moved from the General Fund into the Capital Outlay Fund Keith Warren made a motion, and Clay Wilson seconded, to approve the budget amendment in the amount of eight hundred thousand dollars ($800,000.00) from the General Fund into the Capital Outlay Fund for the purchase of acreage and buildings at 2670 Mission Road,  through a budget amendment.  Hudson, North Carolina. All were in favor.  PROPERTY CONTRACT APPROVAL: Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson stated that Council had advised staff to move ahead with the purchase of acreage and buildings at 2670 Mission Road, Hudson, North Carolina, for the amount of eight hundred thousand dollars Clay Wilson made ai motion, and Keith Warren seconded, to approve thej property contract for the purchase of acreage and buildings at 2670 Mission Road, Hudson, North Carolina, in the amount of eight hundred thousand dollars ($800,000.00). All were in favor.  ($800,000.00). The seller has agreed to the price and signed the contract.    February 8, 2022 Page 8 of8  COUNCIL ADJOURN: Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson asked for a motion to adjourn. Keith Warren made a motion, and Rebecca Johnson seconded, to adjourn the meeting. All  were in favor.  The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:18am.  SEAL R  Town  hus  Budln  COUN 888