SPECIAL-CALLED SANFORD CITY COUNCIL  WORK SESSION Tuesday, April 4, 2024 West End Conference Room 225 East Weatherspoon Street, Sanford, NC  The City Council held a work session on Tuesday, April 4, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in the West End  Conference Room at City Hall. The following people were present:  Mayor Rebecca Salmon Council Member Walter Ferguson Council Member James Williams City Attorney Susan Patterson Deputy City Clerk Vicki Cannady Council Member Jean Dabbs Council Member Charles Taylor  Mayor Pro Tem Mark Akinosho Council Member Linda Rhodes City Manager Hal Hegwer City Clerk Bonnie Davis  Council Member Byron Buckels (came in at 2:34)  Absent:  Call to Order Closed Session  Mayor Salmon called the meeting to order.  Council Member Rhodes made ai motion to goi into closed session in accordance with N.C.G.S.1 143- 318.11(a)(1), to prevent the disclosure ofinformation is privileged or confidential pursuant to the law and (3), to consult with an attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney- client privilege. Seconded by Council Member Ferguson, the motion carried unanimously.  Return to Regular Session  Council returned toi regular session at 1:40 p.m. Brick Capital Purchase ofRedevelopment Lots (Exhibit A)  City Attorney Susan Patterson explained that the City of Sanford has received a request from Brick Capital Community Development Corporation (BCCDC) toj purchase seven lots, as described in Exhibit A in order to develop housing for low-to-moderate income families. BCCDC is offering the City of Sanford ai total of$5,000 for these lots and they are requesting that the water and sewer tap fees be waived.  Executive Director Kerry Bashaw thanked Council: for considering thisoffer. Mr. Bashaw explained that the Jackson Heights projects will not be constructed until next year and if this offer is accepted by Council, it will allow construction to be completed this year to provide low-to-moderate income family  housing.  Mayor Salmon commented that the City of Sanford cannot waive system development fees, they must be paid equally by everyone; however, the Community Development staff has been exploring grant  opportunities that would address this issue.  Attorney Patterson noted that two oft the lots on Summerset Place are noti in the redevelopment area and BCCDC will have to pay tap fees on those. Attorney Patterson explained that if the consensus of Council is to move forward with this proposal, the process would be completed on the purchase of these    Sanford City Council Work Session April 4,2 2024  lots and a Resolution would bej presented to Council for approval at ai regular City Council Meeting, as soon  as possible. The consensus of Council was to proceed with the process.  System Development Fee and Utility Tap Connection Fee Grant Policy (ExhibitE B)  Community Development Director Marshall Downey reviewed the highlights of the Draft Affordable Housing Grant Policy as described in Exhibit B, which was introduced to Council at a previous meeting. Mr. Downey noted that staff has conducted extensive research in creating this policy. Mr. Downey reviewed the proposed policy principles and the eligibility criteria, suggesting a 15-year affordability commitment, which he feelsi isi reasonable. Mr. Downey reviewed the approval process, noting things to consider, such as how compliance issues willl be ensured, such as developer's: agreements and deed restrictions and City staff will enforce program compliance. He explained that tap fees and system development fees must be paid up front. The Affordable Housing Grant Policy will not be a waiver; however, grant funds could offer opportunities for affordable housing development to offset those construction fees. Mr. Downey added that eligibility criteria will include any organization developing affordable housing, regardless of organization type, such as nonprofit, private, for-profit developers, or tax credit projects and it will be on a first-come, first-served basis. He explained that eligibility will not be limited to single-family housing types, it could include multi-family as well. Mr. Downey explained that there is the possibility of American Rescue Plan. Act (ARPA): seed funds being available for the construction ofeight affordable units per year, for an estimated two to four year program. Mr. Downey noted that ift the consensus of Council is to move forward with this project, staff will critique this document and present it to City Attorney Susan Patterson for review and then to Council for approval. The consensus of Council was to proceed with the principle of the Affordable Housing Grant Policy and to start the program using $100,000.00 ARPA funding. Executive Director Kerry Bashaw thanked Council Members for prioritizing  affordable housing. Fire Department Apparatus  Fire Chief Matthew Arnold explained that a new ladder truck and two new engines have been ordered; however, it has been confirmed that the new ladder truck will not be available before December 2025. The current ladder truck is 24-years old, requiring numerous repairs and replacement parts are not accessible for this truck. Recently, we needed to replace the pump control module on the truck and it took two weeks to find a replacement part, and staff was told that there would not be another replacement part available. Recently, staff had to resort to a junk yard to find a telescope light replacement. Chief Arnold explained that the apparatus repair budget is approximately $52,000 and although we are monitoring these funds closely, approximately 52 percent has been spent oni repairs to the current ladder truck. ChiefArnold explained that currently, they do not have a second ladder truck to utilize in the event the current truck is unavailable. He said they have found a 1995 ladder truck that was totally refurbished in 2015 with new parts, which can be purchased for $375,000. The cost of a new ladder truck last year was $1.75 million. Staff is requesting funding approval to purchase a refurbished truck, which will serve as a reserve ladder truck and parts are radially available. Hea added that this ladder truck wasrefurbished by Aerialscope. Chief Arnold noted that they have not committed to the purchase of this particular truck because they are still searching to make the best purchase. In addition, the City's Fleet Maintenance staff will need to inspect any vehicle prior to purchase. Chief Arnold noted that he has talked with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and he was informed that the City will receive a half-point in our ISO rating by having a second ladder truck. Fire Chief. Arnold reported that the Fire Department has started its own Fire  Academy and the only module they cannot teach is Hazardous Material.  2    Sanford City Council Work Session April 4,2024  Assistant City Manager Beth Kelly informed Council that she will review the request to use the fund balance and she willl have al better estimate after the estimated year end budget is analyzed. She noted some ARPA funding could be used and there was also the option to borrow or issue debt for the ladder truck. Mrs. Kelly said she would take bank bids in order to get the best rate and requirements and she might could prepare a debt issuance ini the 2025 budget. She noted that she would not present al budget amendment until ac decision has been made on which ladder truck will be purchased. The consensus ofCouncil was toi move  forward with this proposal toj purchase a used, refurbished ladder truck.  Police Cars Purchase (Exhibit C)  Assistant City Manager Beth Kelly explained that Council previously approved the purchase of take-home vehicles for Police Officers. There were some funds budgeted in 2023 for twelve vehicles and additional funds budgeted within the FY 2024-2025 Budget. She noted that we have received 20 vehiçles tod date amounting to a cost of $1,198,395 and we need to order 35 additional vehicles and equipment amounting to a cost of$2,582,079. We have already budgeted $1,680,887 (FY23 & FY24-25 Budget) and the remaining funds needed are $1,901,192. Ms. Kelly said staff recommendation is to prepare a budget amendment using fund balance in the amount of$1,901,192, as well as a Reimbursement Resolution for up to$ $1,901,192 to give the City the ability to issue future debt to reimburse Fund Balance. The Budget Amendment and thel Reimbursement Resolution will be placed ont the April 16, 2024, City Council Meeting Agenda. Staff will give Council further recommendation following staffr review of Year End Estimates.  Other Business 7,2024. Adjournment  City Council Members reminded everyone of Sanford's 150th Birthday Celebration, Saturday, April  Mayor Pro Tem Akinosho made the motion to adjourn. Seconded by Council Member Rhodes, the  motion carried unanimously.  ALL EXHIBITS CONTAINED HEREIN ARE HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE  AND MADE AI PART OF THESE MINUTES.  Respeetfully Submitted,  Rebecca Wyhoffs.mon, Mayor CKag  Attest:  Davisy  Co  3