6186  The Smithfield Town Council met in regular session on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council  Chambers oft the Smithfield Town Hall, Mayor M. Andy Moore presided.  Councilmen Present: John Dunn, Mayor Pro-Tem Marlon! Lee, District1 David Stevens, District2 Travis Scott, District3 Dr. David Barbour, District4 Stephen Rabil, At-Large Roger Wood, At-Large Also Present Bob Spence, Town Attorney CALLTO ORDER INVOCATION  Councilmen Absent  Administrative Staff Present Michael Scott, Town Manager Ted Credle, Public Utilities Director Jeremey Daughtry, Assistant Fire Chief Lawrence Davis, Public Works Director Gary, Johnson, Parks &F Rec Director Shannan Parrish, Town Clerk R. Keith Powell, Chief of Police Greg Siler, Finance Director Stephen Wensman, Planning! Director Administrative Staff Absent Tim Kerigan, Human Resources/PIO  Mayor Moore called the meeting to order at7:00 pm.  Thei invocation was given by Councilman Barbour followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  APPROVAL OF AGENDA:  Councilman Rabil made a motion, seconded by Councilman Scott, to add a Closed Session pursuant tol NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (6) to discuss ap personnel matter. Unanimously approved. Councilman Wood made a motion, seconded by Councilman Scott, to approve the  agenda as amended. Unanimously approved.  PRESENTATIONS: Smithfield  1. Recognition of Retiring Fire Chief. John Blanton's 30+ years of service to the Town of Mayor Moore presented retired Fire Chief John Blanton a proclamation and a watch honoring his service to the Town of Smithfield. Mayor Moore expressed his appreciation to Chief Blanton for his  dedication tot the citizens of Smithfield.  PROCLAMATION Ink Honor of Fire Chief. John M. Blanton Jr.'s 30+ Years of Dedicated! Service tot the Town of Smithfield  WHEREAS, John! M. Blanton, Jr. has been a dedicated employee ofthe Town of Smithfield WHEREAS, John M. Blanton, Jr. retired on June 1, 2021 with 30 years and 9 months of WHEREAS, during his career, John M. Blanton, Jr. has risen through the ranks as a Fire WHEREAS, in February of 2016, John M. Blanton, Jr., was promoted to serve ast the Fire WHEREAS, John M. Blanton, Jr.'s years of service have been marked with professionalism, dedication and service tot the citizens of Smithfield; and WHEREAS, John M. Blanton, Jr. has earned and deserves this public recognition for his many years of service and commitment tot the Town of Smithfield. NOW, THEREFORE, I, M. Andy Moore Mayor of the Town of Smithfield along with the members oft the Town Counci, express our sincere appreciation to. John M. Blanton, Jr. for his distinguished: servicet tot the Town of Smithfield, and urge our citizens toj join with us as we extend our sincere appreciation for his work, and wish himy welli in! his future endeavors.  for over: 30y years; and  full-time service with the Smithfield Fire Department; and Engineer, Lieutenant and Captain; and Chief. Ap position hel held until his retirement; and  2. Recognition of Community Garden Volunteers Tanner, Hermana Jensen and Hermanal Ventura.  Mayor Moore recognized thef following missionaries from the. Jesus Christ ofL Latter-Day Saints Churchf for volunteering att the Community Garden: Helena Anderson, Elder Kinlicheenie, Elder    6187  3. 2020 Police Department Officer of the Year  Captain James Grady informed the Council that Officer Michael Jernigan had been selected as the Smithfield! Police Department's: 2020 Officer oft the Year. Members oft the department: nominate officers for this award. Once nominated, the Team Commanders vote based on the nominations on who will receive this award and itis presented tot the Chieff for final approval. Officer Jernigan has been with the Smithfield Police Department for 41 years. Prior to working for Smithfield, he worked as a Military Police officer for 10 years. He has workedi in the Patrol Division, and now serves as a K-9 Handler. Officer Jernigan is always willing to go above and beyond int the performance of his duties. He is an 4. Administering the Oath of Office to newly promoted Sergeant Sean Cook Mayor Moore administered the Oath of Office to newly promoted Police Sergeant Sean Cook and 5. Administering the Oath of Office to new Police Officer Jennifer LeCrone Mayor Moore administered the Oath of Office to new Police Officer Jennifer LeCrone and welcomed  assett tot the Department and the Town. congratulated him on his promotion. hert tot the Town of Smithfield. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None CITIZEN'S COMMENTS:  Alisa Bizzell of 510 South Vermont Street expressed her concerns to the Council about excessive speeding on Martin Luther King. Jr. Drive. She explained there were al lot of elderly people (including her mother) who reside int the area and she was fearful for their safety. She asked the Council to  consider some type ofs speed reduction measures for the street.  CONSENT AGENDA:  Councilman Woodr made ar motion, seconded by Councilman Barbour to approve the following items  as listed ont the Consent Agenda: 1. Thef following minutes were approved: May 3, 2021 - Budget Session May 6, 2021 - Budget Session May 20,2 2021 - Budget Session May 25, 2021 - Budget Session June 1, 2021 - Regular Meeting June 24, 2021 - Recessed Meeting  2. Special Event: River Rat Regatta - The Parks and Recreation Department gained approval to conduct the annual cardboard boat race att the Neuse River Boat Ramp on August 14, 2021 from 4:00 pm until 10:00 pm. The closure of Front Street and the use of amplified sound was also approved with this request. The eventv was also approved as ana annual event. 3. Special Event: Youth. Jubilee Services- -True Vine Apostolic Ministries gained approval to conduct ayouth service on. July 17,2021 at7 720 Second Avenue from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. The closure of Second. Avenue and the use ofa amplified sound was approved with this request. 4. Promotion: Approval was grantedt top promote al Public Works employee tot the position of Sanitation 5. Promotion: Approval was granted to promote the IT Specialist to the position of Technology (IT) 6. Approval was granted adopt No. 681 (09-2021) authorizing the Police Department to apply fort the (Attached hereto and made ap part oft these official minutes is Resolution 681 (09-2021) whichi is 7. Approval was granted to adopt Resolution No. 682 (10-2021) accepting the American Rescue Plan  Crewl Leader Director  second year offi funding from the NC Governor's Highway Safety Program  onf file int the office oft the Town Clerk) TOWN OF SMITHFIELD RESOLUTION No. 682 (10-2021)  Funds  ACCEPTING AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021 FUNDS  WHEREAS, The American Rescue Plan Act (a/kla American Rescue Plan) was signed into law WHEREAS, the American Rescue Plan ist to assist with the speeding up the recovery from the economic and health effects from the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing recession; and WHEREAS, part oft the American Rescue Plan provides funding aid for local governments; and WHEREAS, thesef fundsi for municipalities may be used tor respond to public health emergencies with respect to COVID-19, provide premium pay to essential workers and investment in water  on! March 11, 2021; and    6188  ands seweri infrastructure; and  NOW, THEREFORE, BE ITF RESOLVED BY THE SMITHFIELD TOWN COUNCIL:  That Town of Smithfield does hereby authorize the acceptance of funds through the American Rescue Plan. Act and acknowledges funds will bei issued viai the State of North That the Smithfield Town Council delegates to its Town Manager, the responsibility to That The Town of Smithfield will substantially comply with alll laws, rules, and regulations,  Carolina.  execute any necessary agreements required on behalf oft the Council.  a pertaining thereto.  8. New Hire Report Position Firefighter1(2) Police Officerll II P/T Camp Instructor P/T Campl Instructor P/T Pool Instructor P/T General Staff (8) P/T General Staff  Department Fire Police P&R Aquatics P&R -A Aquatics P&R - Aquatics P&R - Aquatics PW- Sanitation  Budget Line  Rate ofF Pay  10.20-5300-5100-0200 $16.76/hr. ($36,603.84lyr.) 10.20-5100-5100-0200 $19.52/hr. ($43,646.72lyr.) 10-80.6220-5100.0230 $11.00/hr. 10-60.6220-5100-0230 $11.00/hr. 10-60-6220-5100-0230 $10.00/hr. 10-60-6220-5100-0210 $9.00/hr. 10-40.5800-5100-0200 $9.00/hr. 10-60-6220.5100-0220 $8.00/hr. 1040.5800-5100-0200 $22.49/hr. $46,779.20/yr.), 10-40.5800-510-0200 $15.18/hr. $31,574.40/yr.),  P/T Pool Staff/Lifeguard (5) P&R - Aquatics Public' Works Superintendent PW- Sanitation Sanitation Equipment Operator PW- Sanitation  Current Vacancies Position Assistant Finance Director Crewl Leader- - Sanitation Customer Service Representative Electric Line Technician Fire Chief Firel Inspector (Part-time -2 positions) ITS Support Specialist Water Plant Operator (2 positions) Police Officer I(4 positions) P/TF FirefighterI I (8 positions) Pump Station Mechanic Utility Line Mechanic  Department Finance PW- - Sanitation Electric Electric Fire Fire PU-I Water Plant Police Fire PU-I Water/Sewer PU-Water/Sewer  BudgetLine 10-10-4200-5100-0200 10-40-5800-5100-0200 31-72-7230-5100-0200 31-72-7230-5100-0200 1020.5300-5100-0290 10-20-5300-5100-210 30-71-7200-5100-0200 10-20-5100-5100-0200 10-20-5300-5100-0200 30-71-7200-5100-0200 10-40-5800-5100-0200 30-71-720-5100-0200  General Government (31 funds) 10-10-4100-5100-0200  Sanitation Equipment Operator (3 positions) Public Works  Business Items:  1. Consideration and request for approval to submit an Economic Development Public Utilities Director Ted Credle addressed the Council on a request to submit an Economic Development. Administration grant application. Mr. Credle explained thati the American Recovery Act passed by Congress appropriated $3.3b billioni tot the Economic Development. Administration. The EDA willl bei issuinga a notice off funding opportunity andt the Town can applyf for the grant. This grant is used for utility infrastructure and applicants must have a 20% match off funding. The proposed project the Town would like to pursue is sanitary sewer improvements in West Smithfield. The project includes: $400,000 for survey, model and design; $200,000 wet well upsizing at pump station 3; $600,000 for improvements along US-70 including boring under the highway; $2.6 million for sewer line improvements along the outfall. The total cost oft the project would be $3.8 million with $3,040,000 Councilman Scott questioned ift the grant funds could be used for a sanitary sewer project on the north side oft town since there are already capacity issues int that area. Mr. Credle explained that the Town does not own the line Councilman Scott was referring to. The Town Manager explained that this grant was tied toj jobs and the Town can leverage this project with the jobs that Amazon will be Skip Green explained the grant was on a first come first serve basis and one oft the things the EDA will look ati is ift the project can be linkedt to additional jobs and if the Town was committed to the Councilman Scott questioned ifthe Town could use Cares Act funding for the grant match. Mr. Green Councilman Scottf further questioned where staff thought the $760,000 match could come from. The Town Manager explained that funds were budgeted for the Durwood Stephenson Water linep project and since the Town receivedi funding from the County for that project, those funds could be usedf for  Administration (EDA) grant application  coming from granti funds and $760,0001 from Town matchf funds.  creating. matching funds.  responded that Cares Actf funding could not be used for the grant match.  the grant match.    6189  Councilman Scottr made a motion, seconded by Councilman Rabil, to allows stafft to submit and Economic Development. Administration grant application. Unanimously approved.  2. Update on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Housing Revitalization Grant Administrator Skip Greeni informed the Councilt that there have been delays in the project due to Covid. Currently, staffi is having difficulties getting three qualified bids from licensed contractors to rehabilitate 5 homes. Originally, there were 22 applicants and of those, 12 have completed the application process and title searches have been completed. Once three bids have been received, construction can begin on the first five houses. Plans for the remaining seven houses will be Councilman Lee questioned if Town staff was assisting with advertising the project. The Town Manager responded Town staff and Mr. Green were working together to advertise the project. 3. ANX-12-01: Annexation Request ASP Smithfield LLC/SST Properties (Samet Properties) and FNLI Agouti JNX LLC (Amazon) submitted a petition to voluntarily annex 193.027 acres into the Town of Smithfield. Also included, adoption of Town Clerk Shannan Parrish addressed the Council on a request to adopt Resolution No. 683 (11- 2021) allowing her to investigate the sufficiency oft the annexation petition. She explained that att the June meeting, the Council approved the Clerk to certify the annexation petition. During her investigation, it was determined that both properties owners, ASP Smithfield LLC/SST Properties (Samet Properties) and FNLI Agouti, JNXLLC(Amazon), had not signed the original application. Thus, rending the petition insufficient. The application had been amended and the Clerk is comfortable  Grant  developed once construction begins ont the first group.  Resolution No. 683 (11-2021)  investigating the sufficiency oft the annexation petition.  Councilman Barbour made a motion, seconded by Councilman Wood, to adopt Resolution No. 683 (11-2021) directing the Town Clerk to investigate the petition submitted by ASP Smithfield LLC/SST Properties (Samet Properties) and FNLI Agouti JNX LLC (Amazon).  Unanimously approved.  TOWN OF SMITHFIELD RESOLUTION NO. 683 (11-2021) RECEIVED UNDER G.S. 160A-31  DIRECTING THE CLERK TOI INVESTIGATEA PETITION  WHEREAS, a petition requesting annexation of an area described in said petition was received on. June 1,2021 by the Smithfield' Town Council; and WHEREAS, G.S. 160A-31 provides that the sufficiency oft the petition shall bei investigated by the Town Clerk beforef further annexation proceedings may take place; and WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Smithfield deems it advisable to proceed in NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF The Town Clerk is hereby directed toi investigate the sufficiency oft the attached petition and to certify as soon as possible tot the Town Council the resulto of her investigation  response tot this request for annexation:  SMITHFIELD THAT:  Adopted this the 6th day of July 2021  4. Consideration and request for approval to adopt Resolution No. 684 (12-2021) accepting the NCDEQ Clean' Water State Revolving Fund Asset Inventory and Public Utilities Director Ted Credle addressed the Council on a request to adopt Resolution No. 684 (12-2021) accepting the! NCDEQ Clean Water State Revolving Fund Assetl Inventory and Assessment grant. Mr. Credle explained this grant would allow the Town to continue digitized mapping of the system and the larger I&I project, which also seeks toi identify all Town infrastructure and use the data library to make repairs andi improvements. To accept the funding the state requires the Town Council to acceptt the award by resolution and commit to providing a 15% match tot the grant funds. The 15% match and grant feev will comef from already! budgeted capitali improvementfunds: for digitized  Assessment grant  mapping and 1&1.  Councilman Barbour made a motion, seconded by Councilman Stevens, to adopt (Resolution No. 684 (12-2021)to acceptt the granta and move the appropriate funds needed for the grantf fee and match (nott to exceed $172,500) and authorize the Town Manager to  execute the contract. Unanimously approved.    6190  TOWN OF SMITHFIELD RESOLUTION NO. 684 (12-2021)  BY THE TOWN COUNCILTO ACCEPT THE NORTH CARIOLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY. ASSET INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT GRANT WHEREAS, the North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 159G has created. Assetl Inventory and Assessment grants to assist eligible units of government with meeting their water WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has offered a State Reserve Grant in the amount of $150,000.00 to perform asset inventory and assessment WHEREAS, the Town of Smithfield intends to perform said project in accordance with the NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF That Town of Smithfield does hereby accept the State Reserve Grant offer of$ $150,000.00. That the Town Council does hereby give assurance to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality that any Conditions or Assurances contained in the Award Offer will That Michael L. Scott, Town Manager, and successors so titled, is hereby authorized and directed to furnish such information as the appropriate State agency may. request in connection with such application ort the project; tor maket the assurances as contained: above; and to execute such other documents as may be required by the Division of Water Adopted this the 6th day of. July, 2021 att the Town Hall Council Chambers in Smithfield,  infrastructure needs, and work, and agreed scope ofwork, SMITHFIELD:  be adhered to.  Infrastructure. North Carolina.  5. Bid Awardi in the amount of $1,573,340.00 to Sandy's Hauling and Backhoe for the Public Utilities Director Ted Credle addressed the Council on a request to award a bid to Sandy's Hauling and Backhoe for the construction of the Phase 2 Durwood Stephenson Water Line. He explained the project was bid in March and then rebidi in May because during first bid process only two bids were received. Seeing the benefit ofg growth in West Smithfield, the Johnston County Board of Commissioners voted to approve total construction funding fort this project. Mr. Credle stateds staff was requesting that the Council approve the low bidder, Sandy's Hauling and Backhoe Service, and authorize the Town Manager to execute all related construction projects to build phase two of the  construction of the Phase 21 Durwood Stephenson Water Line  projectr not to exceed $1,750,000.  Councilman Barbour made a motion, seconded by Councilman Rabil, to award the bid to Sandy's Hauling and Backhoe and authorize the Manager to execute any contracts to perform the intended work not to exceed the project budget limit of $1,750,000.  Unanimously approved.  6. Discussion concerning the 2021 Election  Town! Manager Michael Scotte explained that recent Senate Bill7 722 willr move the Town of Smithfield's district elections to March 8, 2022. This was due to the US Census being late because of COVID. Staffi isr not anticipating receiving that census data int time tor review and determine if any redistricting was hecessary. FheTown Manager explained the issue at hand was the mayor's election. The mayor's election could bel held normally in November, orit could be held in March with the Council's district seats. Hei further explained that since other primaries would be! heldi in March, the cost tot the  Town would! be minimal.  Councilman Stevens made a motion, seconded by Councilman Wood, to hold the Mayor's election on March 8, 2022 with the Smithfield Council District elections. Unanimously  approved  Councilmembers Comments:  Councilman Lee expressed his appreciation to everyone who attended and participated in the Councilman Lee made a motion, seconded by Councilman Stevens, to make the Juneteenth Celebration and annual event to be held the Saturday closest to June 19th. Councilman Scotte expressed his appreciation to all that participated int the July 4th Celebration. He also askedi fort the Town! Managert top provide Council with an update ont thel Fire Chief hiring process. Councilman Barbouri informed the public that the FAAj just passed a new recreational flier response  Juneteenth Celebration.  Unanimously approved.  requirement for all drone operators.    6191  Councilman Stevens expressed his appreciation to the Town Manager and the Public Utilities Director. He explained that they went before the Johnston County Board of Commissioners to request funding for Phase 2 oft the Durwood Stephenson water line and because oft their efforts, the Mayor Moore encouraged the Council to personally contactt the County Commissioners to express the Town's gratitude fori funding the water line project. He encouraged everyone to attend the Third  Town received that funding. StrEATery event on Friday night.  Town Manager's Report:  Town Manager Michael Scott gave al brief update tot the Council ont the following items: The 4th of July Fireworks were well received and well attended. Staff has ont the weather. The winners head tot the State Tournament.  only heard positive comments.  District 5 Baseball Tournament begins tonight andi is scheduled tor run through Friday, depending The Month of July is scheduled as "Parks and Recreation Month" Each year since 1985, Americans have celebrated National Park and Recreation Month during the month of July to recognize thei importance ofp parks and recreation in establishing and maintaining the quality ofli life for, and contributing to the physical, economic and environmental well-being of communities. Through efforts by the National Recreation and Park Association, the U.S. House of Representatives passed and official resolution for Park and Recreation Monthi in 2009. The Town Manager informed the Council that he had az zoom meeting with Triangle J Council of Governments and willh have ai follow-up phone conversation. Staffi isr reviewing the final candidates and once two are selected, staff will schedule a community meeting with thet final candidates. The Town Manager informed the Council that staff was having difficulty attracting the right candidate for the Assistant Finance Director's position. Staffi is investigating possible ways tor make the position more attractive to potential candidates which may include increasing the starting  salary.  Closed Session Pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11 (a)(6)  Councilman Stevens made a motion, seconded by Councilman Barbour, to enter into Closed Session pursuant tot the aforementioned statute. Unanimously approved at approximately 9:34 pm Councilman Scott made a motion, seconded by Councilman Wood, tor reconvene in Open Session.  Reconvene in Open Session  Unanimously: approved ata approximately 8:56 pm. No action was taken by the Council following the Closed Session  Adjourn  Being nof further business, Councilman Barbour made a motion, seconded by Councilman Wood, to adjourn the meeting. Unanimously approved. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:57 pm.  OF SMITA SYmED op, PIL  M.A  ATTEST: Shannan  Re  onaknals L. Parrish, Towh Clerk