April 26, 2022 Page 1 of8  TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2022  TOWN OF SAWMILLS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING  6:00 PM  COUNCIL PRESENT Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson Melissa Curtis Rebecca Johnson Keith Warren  STAFF PRESENT Chase Winebarger Julie. A Good Terry Taylor  CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson called the meeting to order at  approximately 5:51pm.  INVOCATION: Pastor James Hefner 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 April 26, Melissa Curtis made a motion, and Keith Warren seconded, to adopt the April 26, 2022  2022 Agenda.  Agenda. All were in favor.  APPROVE MARCH 15, 2022 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson asked for a motion to approve the March 15, 2022 regular meeting minutes. Rebecca Johnson madeamotion, and Melissa Curtis seconded, to approve the March 15,2022  regular meeting minutes. All were in favor.  APPROVE MARCH 15, 2022 CLOSED SESSION MINUTES: Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson asked for a motion to approve the March 15, 2022 closed session minutes. RebeccaJohnson made aj motion, and Melissa Curtis seconded, to approve the March 15,2022  closed session minutes. All were in favor.  APPROVE APRIL 5, 2022 BUDGET WORKSHOP MINUTES: Mayor Pro Tem Clay    April 26, 2022 Page 2 of8  Wilson asked for a motion to approve the April 5, 2022 Budget Workshop Minutes. Rebecca Johnson made a motion, and Melissa Curtis seconded, to approve the April 5, 2022  Budget Workshop minutes. All were in favor.  APPROVE APRIL 5, 2022 BUDGET WORKSHOP CLOSED SESSION MINUTES: Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson asked for a motion to approve the April 5, 2022 Budget Rebecca Johnson made a motion, and Melissa Curtis seconded, to approve the April 5, 2022  Workshop Closed Session Minutes.  Budget Workshop Closed Session Minutes. All were in favor.  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 Rebecca Clark, as the April Recycle Rewards winner. A credit of thirty-two dollars ($32.00) will be  added to the current sanitation bill. No Council action was required.  FINANCIAL:  WPCOG PLANNER/CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER AGREEMENT: Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson stated that the current contract with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) for planning services will expire on June 30, 2022, and will need to ber renewed. Ifrenewed, the contract will be effective starting July 1, 2022 and ending June 30, 2024. The amount oft the contract will not exceed fifty-three thousand ninety-eight dollars Rebecca Johnson made a motion, and Melissa Curtis seconded, to approve the Planning/Code Enforcement Contract Renewal with the WPCOG in the amount of fifty-three thousand ninety-eight dollars ($53,098.00) and will be billed in quarterly payments. All were in favor. WPCOG PUBLIC UTILITY GIS MAINTENANCE SERVICES: Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson stated that Western Piedmont Council of Governments has sent a contract for the Public Utility GIS Maintenance Services. The contract will be effective starting July 1,2022 and ending June 30, 2024. The amount of the contract will not exceed nine thousand nine hundred forty-eight dollars ($9,948.00) and will be billed in quarterly payments. Rebecca Johnson made a motion, and Melissa Curtis seconded, to approve the Public Utility  ($53,098.00) and will be billed in quarterly payments.    April 26, 2022 Page 30 of8  GIS Maintenance Services contract in the amount not exceed nine thousand nine hundred forty-eight dollars ($9,948.00) and will be billed in quarterly payments. All were in favor. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE. REVISED TOWN OF SAWMILLS COMPREHENSIVE PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN AND' THE SITE- SPECIFIC MASTER PLAN FOR SAWMILLS MUNICIPAL PARK EXPANSION: Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson stated that Town of Sawmills Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan needs to be revised to include the newly purchased acreage. Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson stated that with the revision to the Town ofs Sawmills Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan, a Site-Specific Master Plan for the Municipal Park  Expansion would need to be approved.  Rebecca Johnson made a motion, and Keith Warren seconded, to approve the Resolution Approving the Revised Town of Sawmills Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan and the Site-Specific Master Plan for Sawmills Municipal Park Expansion. All were in favor. LENOIR CALDWELL COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS DONATION REQUEST: Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson stated that the Lenoir Caldwell County Crime Stoppers had requested a donation in the amount oft three hundred dollars ($300.00), however, the Council Rebecca Johnson made a motion, and Keith Warren seconded, to give a donation in the amount oftwo hundred dollars ($200.00) to the Lenoir Caldwell County Crime Stoppers. All  has capped donation amounts at two hundred dollars ($200.00).  were in favor. DISCUSSION:  BAD DEBT WRITE OFF: Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson stated that the Town had a list of 2018 accounts that have gone unpaid for Utility and Sanitation services. The Town does not expect to collect payment for these accounts and recommends that Council approve the write offoft the accounts. The total amount oft these accounts is eight thousand one hundred sixty- nine dollars and fifty-six cents ($8,169.56). Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson also advised Council that included in the list are fifty-four (54) accounts the Town has submitted to the NC Debt Setoff Program for Collection. Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson stated the Town had recovered seven thousand six hundred forty-one dollars and thirty-two cents ($7,641.32): from Clay Wilson made a motion, and Keith Warren seconded, to approve staff to write off the 2018 list ofbad debts accounts in the amount of eight thousand one hundred sixty-nine dollars  previous years. There are sufficient funds in the budget to cover this.  and fifty-six cents ($8,169.56). All were in favor.  PUBLIC COMMENT: Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson asked ifanyone had any questions or  comments at this time. No one wished to speak.    April 26, 2022 Page 4of8  UPDATES:  APRIL CODE ENFORCEMENT REPORT: Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that  there are eleven (11) code enforcement cases open:  Gladys Greene, 2624 Mission Road, Rubbish. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that on February 24, 2022, a NOV letter was sent for rubbish. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he went by the property on March 22, 2022 and the property has 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 December 3, 2021, there had been no progress., Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that on February 8, 2022 the trash has been picked up out of the yard but it is not completely finished. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that a final letter will be issued. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he went by the property on March 8, 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 as of December 3, 2021, the it has started to be cleaned, but there is still a substantial amount of rubbish remaining. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that the property has been cleaned a little, but not enough to make a difference. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated the a final letter will be issued. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he went by the property on March 8, 2022 and nothing has changed; 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 Town on November 27, 2021. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he is trying to find different avenues to get the NOV letter to the right person. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he went by the property on March 8, 2022 and the property Linda G. Wartko, 52991 Lakewood Dr., Rubbish. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that on October 29, 2021, he received a complaint for stacks of newspapers 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 thel home and sent a NOVI 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 been covered with newspapers and leaves. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that as ofFebruary 8, 2022 the newspapers have been moved to the back oft the house and  started to be cleaned up;  2022, and the property seems to be abandoned;  seems to be abandoned;    April 26, 2022 Page 5of8  ap pile at the street. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps that a final letter will be issued. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he went by the property on March 8, 2022 and there has been no change. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he went by the property onl March 22, 2022 and the property owner has somewhat started cleaning 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) ofMs. Compton's 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 Attorney Terry Taylori is still engaged in the legal process of trying to find heirs to the Casey L Wallace, 2634 Mission Road, Rubbish. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that on February 24, 2022, a NOV letter was sent for rubbish. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he went by the property on March 22, 2022 and the property owner Commercial Signs Outdoor, Inc., 4228 US Hwy 321a, Rubbish. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that on February 24, 2022, a NOV letter was sent for rubbish. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that on March 22, 2022, the owner of the property contact him and asked for al little extra time to clean the property. Town Planner Dustin Casey L Wallace, 2636 Mission Road, Rubbish. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that on February 24, 2022, a NOV letter was sent for rubbish. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he went by the property on March 22, 2022 and the property owner  the newspapers up;  property;  has cleaned the property;  Millsaps stated that the owner is actively cleaning the property;  has cleaned the property;    April 26, 2022 Page 6of8  Casey L Wallace, 2630 Mission Road, Rubbish. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that on February 24, 2022, a NOV letter was sent for rubbish. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that he went by the property on March 22, 2022 and the property owner Steven Killian, 4801 Helton Rd, Rubbish. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that a NOV: letter, along with a copy ofthe' Town'st trash pick up policy, was sent for rubbish sitting at the road. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that as ofDecember 3, 2021, rubbish had not been picked up but it seems that the rubbish has been covered with tarps. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that a final letter will be issued for the need to call the Town of bulk pickup and resolve the issue. Town Planner Dustin Millsaps stated that on March 8, 2022, he was coordinating a plan for a bulk pickup  has cleaned the property;  with trash;  No Council action was required.  TOWN MANAGER UPDATES: Town Manager Chase Winebarger had the following  updates:  Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that he spoke with Todd Poteet of Western Consultants regarding the Helton Road project. Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that Todd Poteet informed him that the permitting for the project would take six (6)to eight (8). months and that State would not approve the: repairs that had originally been drawn up because it would make the creek level too low. Council instructed Town Manager Chase Winebarger to move forward with getting the permits for the Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that there had been an incident on Crystal Drive with a Republic Garbage Truck hitting a vehicle that was parked in the turn-a- round. Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that Crystal Drive is not a' Town street and the garbage truck only goes up the road as a curiosity to the houses there. Ifthe garbage truck does not have the space to turn around at the end of Crystal Drive, all the residence on Crystal Drive would need to bring their garbage and recycle cans to US Highway 321A to be picked up. Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that he talked with the owner oft the vehicle and explained the options to him. Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that the Juniorl Legion Softball league played their home games at Sawmills Municipal Park and would like to continue to do SO for the 2022 season. Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that he has spoke to the coaching staff for the Junior Legion Softball league and that they need help to cover the cost of umpires (approximately one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500.00)per season) and that the Town would serve concession. Council agreed to let the Junior Softball League play their home games at the Municipal Park and pay one thousand Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that he has been approached by a concerned citizen in the Doe Run committee about putting ai three (3) way stop at the intersection  project and revisit the project during the FY 2023/2024 budget.  five hundred dollars ($1,500.00) toward umpires for the games.    April 26, 2022 Page 7of8  ofMoore Acres Drive and North Bay Drive. Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that the line of sight is not obstructed at this intersection. Town Manager Chase Winebarger added that often times more problems can be created when you begin adding stop signs in residential neighborhoods that were created in one subdivision plan. When these subdivisions are created a substantial amount of planning goes into stop sign placement. Often in an attempt to keep them away from houses as best as possible. Ifyou think about riding though Doe Run it is aj perfect example. Nearly all stop signs are positioned in places that keep them as far away from residential homes AS POSSIBLE ie Hunter's Path, Sam's Way, Northbay Dr. etc. Therefore, when you begin adding them they will often fall directly in front ofs someone(s) home. When that occurs, your issues shift from speed to noise. In other words, you trade a citizen being upset over the occasional person speeding to being upset about every loud vehicle that stops and takes off at that sign every time it comes through the neighborhood. Additionally, new stop signs are only effective if you have someone to continuously enforce them and that's a big ask for an overworked and understaffed Sheriff'sOffice. Especially, when we have created the problem. Council instructed Town Manager Town Manager stated that unless Council had an objections or wanted anything changed with the floor plan for the new Town Hall, that he would have the architect drawi the: final plans up: for Council to look at and vote on at the May 17,2022 meeting. Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that in January 2021, while the property owner was in the hospital with COVID, a contractor for Hayes Family Farms brokea a yard hydrate on the 4605 Sawmills School Road property and it ran 163,000 gallons ofwater. Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that the property does not have an AMI meter sO it was not noticed until the meter wasi read at the end of. January. Town Manager Chase Winebarger stated that he has been approached regarding the bill of seven hundred seventy-one dollars and seventy-three cent ($771.73) bill. Rebecca Johnson made a motion, and Keith Warren seconded, to credit the customer seven hundred fifty-one dollars and thirteen cents ($751.13)for the overage on1 the bill due to the leak from the the contractor while the owner was in the hospital with  Chase Winebarger to not pursue this request.  COVID. All were: in favor.  COUNCIL COMMENTS:  Rebecca Johnson wanted to thank Kelly Price for coming to the meeting.    April 26, 2022 Page 8 of8  COUNCIL ADJOURN: Mayor Pro Tem Clay Wilson asked for ai motion to adjourn. Clay Wilson made ai motion, and Melissa Curtis seconded, to adjourn the meeting. All were  in favor.  The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:47pm.  SEAL 1088 4 as   Clay Wilson,  Tem  C  ET  Guiai