HITE  1833  MINUTES  Regular Meeting of the City Council 6:30 p.m.-Tuesday, February 23, 2021 317 S. Madison Street, Whiteville, NC, 28472  The Regular Meeting of the City Council oft the City of Whiteville was called to order on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at 6:30 p.m., at 317 S. Madison Street, Whiteville, NC, Advisement of Virtual Meeting. This meeting was made available in a virtual environment. Viewers were invited to submit comments via the Q&A function  28472.  located within the Microsoft Teams application.  1) ROLL CALL PRESENT: ABSENT:  Terryl Mann, Justin Smith, Jimmy Clarida, Tim Collier, and  Kevin' Williamson Tim Blackmon, and Vacant Seat  Others in Attendance: Darren Currie, City Manager; Carlton Williamson, City Attorney; Bonnie Williams, City Clerk; Colburn Brown, Finance Director; Robert Lewis, Planning Director; Hal Lowder, Emergency Services Director; Doug Ipock, Police Chief; David Yergeau, Fire Chief; Rachel Rivenbark, HR Director; Sean Martin, Economic Development Planner; Ivey Schoffield (The News  Reporter); Members of the Public 2) CALL TO ORDER by Mayor Mann at 6:33 pm. 3) INVOCATION provided by Council Member Clarida. 4) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE-I Led by Mayor Mann. 5) ADOPTION OF AGENDA Jimmy Clarida SECONDED the motion. VOTE: 5-0 (Unanimous) Williamson) Nays: 0  Justin Smith MOVED to approve the adoption of the agenda as presented.  Yeas: 5 (Terry Mann, Justin Smith, Jimmy Clarida, Tim Collier, Kevin  Absent: 2 (Tim Blackmon, Vacant Seat) 6.1) Consideration for Approval of Minutes Regular Meeting on February 9,2021 -Closed Session on February 9, 2021 closed session held on February 9, 2021. Jimmy Clarida SECONDED the motion. VOTE: 5-0 (Unanimous) Kevin Williamson) Nays: 0  6) APPROVAL OF MINUTES  Tim Collier MOVED to approve the minutes for the regular meeting and  Yeas: 5 (Terry Mann, Justin Smith, Jimmy Clarida, Tim Collier,  Absent: 2( (Tim Blackmon, Vacant Seat)  7) PUBLIC COMMENT- -None    SPECIAL PRESENTATION  Consideration for Resolution No. 2021-R-133 Recognizing the Life and Council Member Robert Leder died January 16, 2021. He served over 22 years on City Council. Resolution No. 2021-R-133 honors his memory and recognizes his tireless public service to the citizens of the City of Whiteville. Mayor Mann asked Mr. Leder's family (Ms. Rachel Couchenour C daughter, Mr. Benjamin Leder - son, Ms. Shannon Leder daughter-in- law, and Mr. Bennett Leder - grandson) to approach and he read Jimmy Clarida MOVED to approve Resolution No. 2021-R-133 honoring  Service of Council Member Robert Leder  Resolution No. 2021-R-133. Mr. Robert Leder. Kevin' Williamson SECONDED the motion. VOTE: 5-0 (Unanimous) Kevin' Williamson) Nays: 0  Yeas: 5 (Terry Mann, Justin Smith, Jimmy Clarida, Tim Collier,  Absent: 2 (Tim Blackmon, Vacant Seat) Resolution No 2021-R-133_Honoring. Robert Leder 02232021 f  8) PUBLIC HEARING  8.1) Public Hearing Downtown Streetscape Master Plan Mayor Mann Opened the Public Hearing at 6:37 pm. Mr. Martin explained thats staff is requesting that City Council consider adopting the Downtown Streetscape Master Plan as it was presented to council on February 9th after holding the Public Hearing. He explained that the purpose of the Whiteville Streetscape Master Plani is to provide av vision and framework for improving the South Madison Street streetscape from' Webster Street on the north to the intersection of! Lee and Franklin Streets to the south. Hee explained that the goals and objectives include improving the pedestrian experience, supporting businesses, celebrating local history, and enhancing downtown aesthetics and identity. He stated thatt the plan is broken down into three phases: the north, the central, and the south. He noted that this public hearing was advertised in thel local media. No comments or questions were offered by Council. Mayor Manni invited the public to comment. Mr. Les High and Mr.. JE Thompson made comments and were in support of Council adopting the plan. Mayor Pro Tem Smith stated that he wanted to be clear on what the cost would be tot the City. Mr. Martin advised that thei full costs is unknown until the plan(s) have been bidded out and staffs seeks additional funding sources. Mayor Mann Closed the Public Hearing at 6:53 pm.  9) BUSINESS  9.1) Discussion and Decision Downtown Streetscape Master Plan  Planning/Economic Development Streetscape Master Plan. Tim Collier SECONDED the motion. VOTE: 5-0 (Unanimous) Kevin Williamson) Nays: 0 Equipment.  Jimmy Clarida MOVED to approve the adoption of the Downtown  Yeas: 5 (Terry Mann, Justin Smith, Jimmy Clarida, Tim Collier,  Absent: 2 (Tim Blackmon, Vacant Seat)  9.2) Consideration to be Part of Regional Grant for Communication  Chief Yergeau presented thisi item to Council. He explained that staff is requesting City Council to authorize the Fire Department to part of the Regional AFG Grant for Communications Equipment. The communications being requested int this grant is for radio's and    associated equipment for the switch to the 800mhz (VIPER) Radio System Public Safety willl be transitioning soon. He explained that this Regional Grant will help reduce the cost of the needed equipment to transition toi the 800mhz/VIPER): system. Ift thel Regional Grant is awarded to the City, the cost share the City willl be responsible fori is Terry Mann MOVED to approve the City Manger and Fire Chief to submit the required documents for the Regional Grant for Yeas: 5 (Terry Mann, Justin Smith, Jimmy Clarida, Tim Collier,  $8,633.  Communication Equipment. VOTE: 5-0 (Unanimous) Kevin Williamson) Nays: 0  Absent: 2 (Tim Blackmon, Vacant Seat)  10) COUNCIL COMMENTS  Council Member Collier stated that he thought the work at West Whiteville Park was going very well. Council Member Williamson stated that he felt the repairs to the Storm Water system have helped a great deal with the recent rains. Mayor Pro Tem Smith concurred with Council Member Williamson. He also asked Mr. Currie for an update pertaining to ar replacement for Mr. Martin. Mr. Currie responded that a person has been selected, an offer made and is projected to begin work on March 15th. Mayor Pro Tem Smith and the rest of Council congratulated Mr. Martin on his new) job as Town Administrator for the Town of White Lake and thanked him for all of his hard work with Economic Development in City. Council Member Clarida commented on the recent rains and stated that he felt the streets did well. He addressed Chief Ipock to confirm that al Food Lion employee had died as a result of the robbery at the store. Chief Ipock confirmed the fatality and explained the investigation is active. Mayor Mann commented on the letter recently sent to Senator Danny Britt and Representatives Brenden Jones and Carson Smith asking for their support funding projects in the City. He stated that he would like to schedule a face-to-face meeting (maybe a special meeting) with them to further discuss the matter and to solidfy the letter sent by the City Council. He asked that Congressman Rouzer's office be included in an invitation to the meeting. Mayor Mann stated that ifat face-to-face meeting could not be arranged, then perhaps a TEAMS virtual meeting. Mr. Currie responded by saying that he would reach out them and see  what kind of meeting could be arranged. 11.2) Manager's Update  11) REPORTS  Mr. Currie provided updates to Council regarding 1) Mollies Branch project- Bryce Street, 2) Construction on the new ABC Store, 3) Commerce Street Storm Water project, and 4) Visit from Town of Sharpsburg to City Hall. He deferred to Mr. Lowder for an update pertaining COVID-19. Mr. Lowder provided an update relating to potential reopenings of businessess, increase in capacities, statistical 11.1) Monthly Departmental Reports for. January 2021. Reports were received from thet following departments: Office of the City Clerk, Finance, Fire, Human Resources, Parks and Recreation, Panning-Economic Development, Police, and WWTP. Tim Collier MOVED to approve the adjournment of the meeting at 7:16 pm.  data, and vaccination roll-out.  12) ADJOURNMENT  Jimmy Clarida SECONDED the motion. VOTE: 5-0 (Unanimous) Williamson) Nays:0  Yeas: 5 (Terry Mann, Justin Smith, Jimmy Clarida, Tim Collier, Kevin  Absent: 2 (Tim Blackmon, Vacant Seat)    MomzHen Terryl L. Mann, MAYOR Bonnie T. Williams, CIT  btsPdlag    Resolution No. 2021-R-133  RESOLUTION: HONORING CITY OF WHITEVILLE  THEI LIFE AND: SERVICE OFI ROBERTLEDER, COUNCILI MEMBER WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of Whiteville, North Carolina, wishes to acknowledge and express its appreciation of Council Member Robert Leder for his dedicated service to the citizens of WHEREAS, Robert Leder was al lifetime resident of Whiteville and served this community and the State of North Carolina with dignity, having been elected by the people in November, 1999; he WHEREAS, as a member oft the Council, he devoted his time, energy and talents to the City providing a wealth of experience and soundj judgment on its behalf with unfailing integrity, dignity, and WHEREAS, as a member of Council, he reviewed and deliberated on all matters, facts and proposals presented beforet the Council, and at all times keptt thej public's interest ast the firstp priority; and WHEREAS, Robert Leders served as a strong supporter for the promotion andj protection ofthe NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Whiteville, North Carolina, ina a regular meeting assembled this the 23" day of February, 2021, asf follows: Section 1. That thel Mayor and Council hereby expresses on behalf of the citizens to Whiteville deep appreciation and gratitude for the gifts oft time, ability, and commitment in executing the duties of Section 2. Thata a copy oft this resolution be placed upont the permanent minutes oft the City of Whiteville, and a copy thereof, duly executed by the Mayor and City Clerk, be presented to Robert  Whiteville, and  served faithfully until his death on. January 16, 2021;a and  thoughtful reflection; and  City's strong heritage ini its downtown district; and  Council Member for the City ofWhiteville. Leder's family as at token ofo our gratitude.  Adopted this 231 day ofl February2021.  eaplan Bil  Terry Mann, Mayor City  Bonnie  1833  Pagelofl Resolution! No. 2021-R-133