June 13, 2023 Meeting Minutes  HAMLET CITY COUNCILREGULAR MONTHLY MEETING  COUNCIL CHAMBERS ROOM 201 MAIN STREET, HAMLET,NC28345 TUESDAY,JUNE 13, 2023 6:001 PM MINUTES  Governing Body Present: Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member Staff] Present: Cityl Manager Incoming Clerk City Attorney  Bill Bayless Jesse McQueen Eddie Martin Oscar Sellers Abbie Covington Maurice Stuart Matthew Christian Cindy Terry TC: Morphis  Others Present: Howard Wallace, Gerard Morrison, Chris McDonald, Matt Lamb.  1. Call to Order 2. Invocation  Mayor Bayless called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.  Pastor Bill Monroe of Calvary Baptist Church offered thel Invocation.  3. Adoption of Agenda Member Jesse McQueen. The vote was 5-0. 4. Adoption of Consent Agenda provided the second. The vote was 5-0. 5. Comments from Attendees:  Council Member Covington motioned to adopt the Agenda. The second was offered by Council  Council Member Covington motioned to adopt the Consent Agenda. Council Member Maurice Stuart  Gerard Morrison advised that many events are planned for. Juneteenth. A breakfast at the Senior Center will bel held. June 14 and he encouraged everyone to attend. Mr. Morrison again requested that hel be appointed to the Committee for the Comprehensive Plan. He also inquired as to the Committee'st meeting schedule. Thel Manager advised that there werei no: meetings currently planned, but when ai meeting is  scheduled, he will email Council,  New Business  6. Public Hearing #1 - Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget  City Manager Christian advised that the City has met all requirements fort the FY2023-2024 Budget. He also advised that there are minor changes to the Budget made at the last Work Session, that are reflected  1    June: 13, 2023 Meeting Minutes  int the final Budget Ordinance presented during this meeting. Additionally, thel Manager advised that the viewing. Mayor Bayless opened the floor to thel Public Hearing. No one presented. The Mayor then  Budget is available for public closed the Public Hearing.  7. Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget Ordinance No. 2023-01, Council Member Covington motioned to adopt the Ordinance. The second was offered by Council 8. Consideration of Resolution 2023-06- Contract with Richmond County Building Mayor Bayless reported that the City has again contracted with Richmond County for building inspections. Council Member Covington inquired as to whether the City would have to continue using the County for building inspections ifthe City hires aj planner. Mr. Christian responded yes. Council Member Covington then motioned to approvet the Resolution and Contract. The second was provided by Council  Member Sellers. The vote was 5-0.  Inspections  Member McQueen. The vote was. 5-0.  9. Consideration of Approval for USDA Grant  City Manager Christian advised that the City had applied for and been awarded a $78,000 master grant specifically for the downtown core. It will mainly involve streetscape and infrastructure. The Mayor questioned whether this would bet up front money. Mr. Christian advised that these are usually reimbursement-lype grants, but agreed to check on whether the City can receive the funds up: front. The Manager asked that he be allowed to act on behalfofCouncil to move forward with the grant. Council Member Covington made al Motion, seconded byl Mr. McQueen, to allow the City Manager to act on  bchalfofCouncil for the grant. The vote was 5-0.  Other Business  10. City Manager's Reports  City) Manager Matthew Christian reported that last Friday an event was held for Crime Stoppers that raised over $3,000. Mr. Christian reminded Council about the 4 ofJuly events that will be held on July 1 and that food trucks will bei in several locations. He also advised that there are several ongoing events such as Senior Center Line Dancing, yoga by the tracks, and food trucks every other Friday.  11. Comments of Council  Council Member Martin advised that Post 491 had a great opening day with support of the County and surrounding areas, and that the team has had great success in the games they have played so far. Mr. Martin also thanked thei media and radio stations for their efforts to promote the games. Council Member Sellers thanked City Manager Christian, the City's staff and its police officers for doing a great job for the City. Het then wished everyone a safe and happy Fourth ofJ July. Council Member Stuart advised that there willl be. Juneteenth celebrations at thel Hamlet Senior Center, Leak Street School and Dobbins Heights Park. He encouraged everyone to come out for these events.  Council Member Covington again welcomed Cindy Terry as the new City Clerk.  Council Member McQueen inquired about yard debris and the equipment used for same. The Manager reported that everything was working well and that the streets are being cleaned up. He also stated that  2    June 13, 2023 Meeting Minutes  the Post 491 baseball is at tremendous asset for the city. Mr. McQueen also thanked the Manager for the  vision that will pay dividends for the City. 12. Mayor's Comments  Mayor Bayless thanked Councilman Martin and Chip Gordan for everything theyl have done with the ballfield for thel Post 491 baseball. He also was pleased that sO1 many. Juneteenth celebrations will be happening around the City.Thel Mayor wished everyone: a safe and great. July 4th. 13. Motion to go into Closed Session per NC General Statute $143-318-11(a)(3) (6) Attorney- At6:28 pm, Mayor Bayless asked for ai motion to goi into Closed Session and read the Statutes. Council Member McQueen madet thei motion. The second was offered by Council Member Sellers. The vote was  Client Privilege and Personnel  5-0.  Return to Open Session  At7:12 pm, Council Member Covington made the motion to return to Open Session, The second was  given by Council Member Sellers. The vote was 5-0.  Closed Session Action  Mayor. Bayless announced an issue was discussed in Closed Session that requires action in Open Session. Council Member Covington motioned to enter into al Legal Service. Agreement with the attorney firm of Whitaker & Hamer, giving the City Manager the authority to execute the Agreement on behalfofthe  City. The second was given by Council Member Sellers with a 5-0 vote.  14. Adjourn meeting. The vote was 5-0. Respectfullys submitted, C  At7:14 pm, Council Members Stuart and McQueen provided the motion and second to adjourn the  Cindy City Clerk  F MALI GCN SEAL i C  3