TOWN OF PLYMOUTH MEETING MINUTES MAY 13, 2024 - VIA COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND ZOOM  7:00 p.m.  I.  CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Brian Roth  Mayor Roth called the meeting to order and welcomed all attendees. Councilman Wobbleton led with prayer. Mayor Roth led the Pledge of Allegiance.  PRESENT ABSENT  COUNCILMEMBER  X X X X X X X  Mayor Roth Mayor Pro-Tempore Tharps Councilwoman Byers Councilwoman Davis Councilwoman Nixon Councilwoman Teel Councilman Wobbleton  II.  APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA  Mayor Roth stated that there are several adjustments to the Agenda: Town Clerk Wallace has to leave the meeting and asked to be placed first on the Agenda after the approval of the Agenda sO that she can give an update about the website; Phillip McNair will give the Fire Department report after which Cliff Everett will give a presentation; under Consent Agenda, the four sets of minutes will be removed; Item E will become Item A; Item F will become Item B; Item G will become Item C; Items H and I will be removed; Item J will become Item D; Budget Amendment 2024-09 will become Item E. Mayor Roth then asked ifthere were any other changes to the Agenda from Councimembers. Councilman Wobbleton asked that Trash pick-up be added. Town Manager Floyd stated that the subject will be addressed during the Director of Public Works report. Attorney Isenberg stated that there is a slight change to the closed session statute. The statue should read $G.S. 143-318.10 (e) which is the statue that covers closed session meeting minutes in addition to 318.11(a)(1). A motion to approve the Agenda as revised was made by Counciwoman Byers with a second by Town Clerk Wallace thanked everyone for their patience with the website. She explained that the website changed to a new platform which is actually called migration. Town Clerk Wallace further explained that the migration to the new platform will take longer than expected. She stated that if someone goes to visitplymouthnc.com the correct website might not appear. Town Clerk Wallace  Councilman Wobbleton. The motion passed unanimously.  May 13, 20241 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 1    further explained that the Town's Facebook page is connected with the website which is why video recordings of meetings have not appeared. She stated that technicalities are being worked on and that she is not sure exactly how much time it will take to resolve the issue. However, Town Clerk Wallace tried to assure  the citizens that she is working diligently on the issue.  III. PRESENTATIONS TO THE COUNCIL  A. Mr. Marty Brooks  Mr. Marty Brooks remarked that he was representing the citizens of the city. Their vision is to advocate for people who are historically and systemically impacted by gentrification, poverty, segregation, over-policing, lack of education and employment opportunities and other institutional forms of oppression. Mr. Brooks stated that getting involved with the community can help shape the policies and decisions that affect the citizens of Washington County. He also spoke of the condition of the city and Washington County and the accountability of the Council, Mayor and Town Manager, and explained what they are accountable for and his thoughts about how it should Mr. Brooks then introduced Mr. Harry Lipford who gave an overview of a new agenda for the community which included investing in our youth as well as elders. Mr. Brooks presented some ideas to the Council as to how it can be a win-win situation by bringing the youth and elderly together. He spoke about Counciwoman Davis asked Mr. Brooks and Mr. Lipford if new agenda is an organization. Mr. Lipford answered that it is a thing from the community that has been spearheaded by Mr. Brooks and the organization process is ongoing, Mr. Lipford invited anyone that has skill sets that would like to join  be fixed.  statistics, and division of power as part of his presentation.  the organization are welcomed.  B. Mr. Lou Manring  Mr. Manring introduced himself and stated that he is the Chairman of the Washington County Travel and Tourism Authority (TTA) and the President of the Downtown Development Association (DDA) and is speaking on behalf of the Downtown Development Association. He began by stating that many of the comments that Mr. Brooks and Mr. Lipford said and the DDA's mission are similar and encouraged them to get involved with each other. Mr. Manring then gave a history of the Dog Park. He gave statistical data regarding the number of cars with dogs traveling on Hwy 64 and how the Dog Park can be an economic driver if a small percentage can be drawn to Downtown Plymouth because of the Dog Park. Mr. Manring stated that it would also benefit residents. He also  May 13, 20241 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page2    reported the increased expenses for the Dog Park that exceed the $12,000.00 Counciwoman Davis asked for clarification. Mr. Manring stated that at that time the idea was brought to him by Mayor Roth and Town Manager Matt Livingston. The $12,000.00 check was returned to the DDA by former Mayor Shawn Hawkins. Mr. Manring reported that a grant was given to the DDA from the TTA int the amount of $3,000.00 to install benches and a water apparatus among other things. He stated that he believes that this will be a great amenity for the Town. Mayor Roth clarified that he was not a driving force behind the project and that it was brought to him by former Town Manager Livingston; however, after research Mayor Roth stated that the pros outweighed the negatives. Mayor Roth asked Mr. Manring when the grant would expire. Mr. Manring stated that if Councilman Wobbleton made a motion to add the Dog Park Project as an Agenda item to be discussed now with a second by Councilwoman Nixon. The Town Manager Floyd gave an update on the costs for the Dog Park. Public Works Director Wright gave two estimates for the fencing for the layout of the Dog Park. After further discussion of the square footage, quality of material and costs, Councilman Wobbleton made a motion to approve the project with the original perimeter size and gate and using the better quality products with a second by Counciwoman Nixon. After discussion of the motion, the motion  that was previously offered.  the grant was not used by June 14th it will be withdrawn.  motion passed unanimously.  passed unanimously. IV. PUBLIC COMMENT  Mayor Roth asked if there are requests for Public Comment. Mayor Roth stated that the normal rules apply in that speaking time will be limited to three minutes.  Public comments were then made by the following persons:  Elmer Gatling Terri Pitt Yokonan Isreal Delores Gilliam  Counciwoman Nixon opposed some of the comments that were made earlier by Mr. Brooks. After continued unauthorized comments from citizens, Counciwoman Byers made a motion for a five minute recess with a second by  Counciwoman Teel. The motion passed unanimously.  V.  DEPARTMENT REPORTS  1. Financial Report - For the period ending April 30, 2024  May 13, 2024 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 3    Town Manager Floyd gave the report due to the Finance officer having to leave for a family matter. Town Manager Floyd explained the revenue VS. expenditures for each fund and asked if there were any questions to please  contact Finance Officer Wallace or herself.  2. Police Department  Chief Williams gave a short update about hiring officers for the Department.  3. Code Enforcement:  Code Enforcement Officer Brown began by thanking everyone that assisted with the Annual Spring Cleanup. He reported that 32 youth and 11 adults collected 38 bags of trash. Code Enforcement Officer Brown also reported that some citizens picked up trash on their streets and collected 6 bags as  well and that the dumpsters were full, sO that went well also.  Move Outs care oft the situation Dilapidated Houses  Three - the homeowners were contacted, and the homeowners took  There are several dilapidated properties that are in process of being demolished with work still in progress at 303 West Avenue.  Abandoned Vehicles  Five notices were sent out and five vehicles were removed. There were 11 complaints with nine positive responses.  Grass and Weed Nuisance House Nuisance received. Ordinance Complaints  Two notices were sent, and two positive responses were  - Six complaints were received resulting in five positive responses. The other complaint is still under investigation.  Counciwoman Nixon stated that more trash has been carried to a yard across from Councilwoman Teel. Code Enforcement Officer Brown agreed and explained that it was cleaned up and the person continues to put things back on a daily basis. He further reported that he spoke to the owner, which is the man's sister, and that they will continue to work on the issue.  May 13, 2024 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 4    4. Town Projects/Public Works:  Public Works Director Wright reported that an RFQ was advertised for the Viable Utility Grant (water and sewer line) and one application was received. He stated that the Town only needs to have one application, but before going any further, the Town is waiting on an approval letter for an extension from DEQ. The Town applied for PART-F for the Wilson Street Park. The grant was submitted under the name of Plymouth Community Park. The report has been compiled for the AIA sewer grant and the Wooten Company would like to present the report to the Council at its June meeting. Mayor Roth asked Public Works Director Wright to explain what AIA means to the Council. Public Works Director explained that it is Asset Inventory Management for the sewer lines and the purpose for the study as well as what the study process entailed. He then went on to report about the Pump-Out station and that the electrician needs to run wires to the pump. The Streetscape design still needs approval. Public Works Director Wright also reported that all of the carpet in the Police Department has been replaced with commercial grade vinal  flooring. Streets:  Asphalt patching around Town  Buildings and Grounds:  Replaced carpet in Police Department Repaired leaks at the following addresses: 207 Robin Drive 306 General Pettigrew Drive 529 Monroe Street Highway 32S  Water:  Sewer:  Cleared out sewer blockages at the following addresses:  333 West Avenue 402 Madison Street 824 US Hwy 64 E 409 Winesett Circle 208 Hampton Drive 410 Wilson Street 209 Roanoke Avenue 105 West Water Street 108 Bowser Court 201 Pettigrew Drive  May 13, 20241 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page! 5    WWTP:  Installed sludge pump in digester Stations with pumps down: Hilly Circle (1) West Main Street (1) Washington Street (2) Jefferson Street (1)  Pump Stations  Sanitation  Picking up litter in Town  Public Works Director Wright reported that he checked with DOT on US Hwy 64 and the conclusion of DOT's study was that there was not anything to warrant putting up signs or flashing lights on the highway and that it is more of a law enforcement issue due to log trucks running red lights. Public Works Director Wright then spoke with the Council about Sanitation and asked Mr. Curtis Vinson to give the Council an update about the issues that have delayed the pick-up of trash as well as his proposed solutions. After an extended discussion with the Council, staff and Attorney Isenberg, Town Manager Floyd and Attorney Isenberg will discuss the situation in the morning and report back to the Council.  5. Fire Department  Mr. Phillip McNair represented the Fire Department. He thanked the Council for visiting the Fire Department for a tour and presentation about the fire trucks. He then reported that the Eastern North Carolina Firemen Association was attended. There were 180 firemen, and the event was successful. Mr. McNair reported that the Department has started their budget workshop and spoke of the need for a new firetruck. He also asked that people stop by their booth at the Bear Festival. Mayor Roth reported that a request for $1.9 million has been submitted to Congressman Don Davis's office for a replacement equipment truck and the equipment for the truck. Councilwoman Nixon asked about an upcoming fundraiser. Mr. McNair stated there will be a passing the boot fundraiser on July Vice President Cliff Everett then spoke about a Randomized Cluster Evaluation of Cardiac Arrest System Study completed by Duke University. He read the study objectives and reported that due to partnering with some employees of Wahington County EMS and attending meetings in Raleigh, he was given three defibrillators for the Fire trucks and himself. Once Ms. Anne Keyes got involved six more defibrillators were given - three from Domtar and three from Duke Univiserty. Vice President Everett stated that he would like for 10% of Washington County be CPR certified and asked that the Council pass a resolution that every Town employee must be CPR trained. He also reported on  12th and 13th.  May 13, 2024 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 6    an effort to have the community involved. A defibrillator was the first to be given for the community and Vice President Everett asked the Council for permission to place the community defibrillator at the bathroom located at Flowers Park during the Bear Festival. They are also training businesses in what is called Heart Smart and would like to train churches. Town Manager Floyd said that she will contact Vice President Everett and bring up the subject at the Town staff meeting. Mayor Roth asked Town Manager Floyd to report on this at the next Council meeting. After further discussion, Councilman Wobbleton made a motion for the installation for a defibrillator at the restroom at Flowers Park at no cost with a second by Counciwoman Nixon. The motion passed unanimously  6. Utility Billing/Tax Collection  The information is included in the agenda packet.  7. Museums  Ab brief summary report is included in the agenda packet.  VI.  CONSENT AGENDA The Consent Agenda included:  A. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED REAL ESTATE AND A motion was made by Councilman Wobbleton approve the insolvency request for 411 Brinkley Avenue with a second by Councilman Tharps. The B. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION 2024-10 ADOPTING THE CAMA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN/STRATEGIC PLAN Mayor Roth asked if anyone had a public comment to make before moving forward. With no comments, Councilman Wobbleton made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-10 Adopting the CAMA comprenensive Plan/Strategic Plan with a second by Counciwoman Nixon. Ms. Jamie Heath of the Mid-East Commission spoke about the public feedback that helped C. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE THE SUBMISSION OF THE NORTH CAROLINA RESILIENT COASTAL COMMUNITIES PROGRAM PHASE 3 GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE STORMWATER ACTION PLAN- UPGRADE THE STORMWATER SYSTEM PROJECT RESOLUTION 2024-  PERSONAL PROPERTY INSOLVENT REQUEST  motion passed unanimously.  shape the plan. The motion passed unanimously.  11  May 13, 20241 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 7    Ms. Jamie Heath stated that there is a report in the Agenda package that summarizes the information. She stated that the Town has been participating in the North Carolina Resilient Coastal Communities Program that is designated to relieve flooding and other critical hazard issues in the community. She explained the phases of the Program and the next steps. A motion was made by Counciwoman Teel to approve Resolution 2024-11 with as second by Councilman Tharps. Mayor Roth asked Ms. Heath to describe the project again. Ms. Heath stated that the first part will be engineering and design which is the stormwater action plan, and the Town will choose an engineering firm to map the entire stormwater system and identify issues that will relieve flooding. Next there will be actual construction of one priority project that is selected in partnership with the Town. She stated that additional grants will be sought as well. The motion passed unanimously. D. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION 2024-12 AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSITION OF CERTAIN PERSONAL PROPERTY Town Manager Floyd explained that staff is asking that a Ford Taurus with approximately 150,000 miles be surplused and put on govdeals.com. The starting bid will be $1,000.00. Counciwoman Nixon made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-12 with a second by Counciwoman Byers. The  BY ELECTRONIC SALE  motion passed 5-1v with Councilman Tharps opposing. E. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED BUDGET  AMENDMENT 2024-09  Town Manager Floyd explained that the purpose of this amendment in the amount of $1,760.00 for the update of software due to malware emails. Councilwoman Byers made a motion to approve Budget Amendment 2024-09 with a second by Counciwoman Nixon. The motion passed unanimously.  VII. OLDBUSINESS  A. DISCUSSION OF NC DMV LICENSE PLATE AGENCY  Town Manager Floyd explained that during June's Council meeting, staff were asked to look into the purchase of the BB&T building. An inquiry was made to the realtor and the cost of the building is $399,000.00. She explained what would need to happen in order to purchase the building, which includes approval from the LGC. Town Manager Floyd also mentioned that renovations will need to be made and asked the Council for their input. Mayor Roth gave his input about the potential of a significant expense for renovation. Councilwoman Teel gave some different scenarios, including an area for closed session, and wanted to know what would be best in the long run. Town Manager Floyd stated that staff can look into some other alternative  May 13, 20241 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page8    buildings. Attorney Isenberg asked to be brought up to speed on the issue because of the contract that the Town has with DMV so she can evaluate the situation in case anything comes up in terms of changing locations. B. CONSIDERATION TO INCREASE ADMINISTRATION CREDIT CARD LIMIT Town Manager Floyd stated that this request was brought to the Council at the last meeting. She explained that there was a request to review the credit card statement. It was reviewed and there was no issue. Counciwoman Byers made a motion to increase the Credit Card Limit from $3,000.00 to $5,000.00 with a second by Councilman Wobbleton. The motion passed C. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE THE NORTH CAROLINA 811, INC., Town Manager Floyd reported that this was brought before the Council last month and Attorney Isenberg requested that some changes be made to the agreement. The changes were made and has now been brought back to Council for approval. A motion was made by Councilwoman Byers to approve membership agreement with a second by Councilwoman Nixon. The motion D.C CONSIDERATION TO SURPLUS CHIEF WILLIAMS' SERVICE WEAPON TO ALLOW THE TOWN TO GIFT IT TO HIM FOR HIS RETIREMENT Counciwoman Byers made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2024-13 with as second by Councilwoman Teel. The motion passed unanimously.  FROM $3,000.00 TO $5,000.00  unanimously.  MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT  passed unanimously.  RESOLUTION NO. 2024-13  VIII. NEW BUSINESS  A. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE PROPOSED PUBLIC COMMENT AND  PUBLIC HEARING POLICY  Attorney Isenberg recommended that the Council adopt and replace the old Public Comment Policy with the new Public Comment Policy. She explained that the changes made are in compliance with current laws and affect constitutional rights for public comment. Councilwoman Teel made a motion to approve and adopt the Public Comment and Public Hearing Policy as presented with a second by Councilwoman Byers. Counciwoman Davis asked about Part III - stating name and address. Attorney Isenberg explained that part is to help the Clerk keep track of who is speaking. She also explained that most local governments would like to know if the people that  May 13, 20241 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page9    are speaking from their unsdictoncommunty, The motion passed B. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE 2024 MEMORANDUM OF PARTICIPATION FOR SEPARATION ALLOWANCE BENEFITS FOR LAW Town Manager Floyd explained that the Town is required yearly based on GASBY 73 reporting for the supplemental retirement for law enforcement officers to conduct a study that will be included in the audit. The Memorandum of Participation to be performed. The cost was not included in the package, and Town Manager Floyd suggested that this be tabled and  unanimously.  ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS  placed on Wednesday's agenda to include the cost.  IX. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT  Town Manager Floyd stated that at last month's Council meeting, staff were authorized to get information on the Old Fire Department and putting in the boardwalk using the $2 million coming from the state for the ferry. She further reported that she had not received information from A.R. Chesson or Tom Harrison and as soon as she can obtain updates she will get the information to the Council. Town Manager Floyd then announced that the Town will host a listening meeting for the historical sign on June 13th. The Community Meeting is Town Manager Floyd stated that at last month's meeting during public comment, there were some comments about not having a copy of her contract, her misusing the credit card and misusing the gas card. She clarified that she does not have a credit card or gas card and that she provided an executed copy of her contract to staff for the Town to have. Town Manager Floyd then echoed Public Director Mike Wright regarding PARTF and naming the Park. She also reported the staff has asked the Albemarle Commission to look into zoning amongst other items for an Air BnB. The information will go to the Planning Board and brought back to the Council. She stated that there is a Homeownership Committee that spoke about homeownership inside the Town and other subjects such as domestic violence that could possibly be used for Town owned foreclosed properties as well. The discussion will be brought to the Council during Budget Mayor Roth named the members of the Homeownership Committee: Lorashia Bell, Tasha McNair, Annette Ange, Councilwoman Nixon, Counciwoman Davis, and Town Manager Floyd as an ex-officio member. He then spoke about the YMCA. Mayor Roth then asked Town Manager Floyd how many staff are salaried, and the answer was five. There was further discussion about the YMCA among a pool, and golf carts. Councilwoman Nixon explained that the public needs to know that there are rules that have to be followed in order to make  scheduled for June 21st at 6:00 p.m.  discussions.  May 13, 2024 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 10    things happen. Councilwoman Byers spoke about Utility Bills and the associated Town Manager Floyd then talked about the budget calendar and asked for the Council's availability. She then stated that she was asked to provide an  fees as well as the regulations that the Town has to follow. organizational chart of the Town staff and she passed it out.  X. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT  Attorney Isenberg stated that she meant to mention that the public comment period is the most appropriate time set aside for citizens to come with any comments that they have for Council. She strongly recommended that the Town Council adhere to the Public Comment Policy going forward that is the place for people to come and bring their comments to Council and reserve the agenda items for regular Town business, which is also her recommendation.  XI. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL  Councilwoman Nixon made an announcement that on May 25th prayer will take place at the lighthouse and ministers, citizens, and anyone to come and participate at 8:30 a.m. Councilwoman Nixon also announced that Councilwoman Davis assisted her with getting adopt a highway, on Hwy 45, for the Band of Angels. She explained that they are doing this as citizens. Mayor Roth suggested that because it is not within Town limits that perhaps the School Mayor Roth announced that the Bassmaster's Youth Tournament will be held this week beginning Wednesday through the weekend. The RCCP Meeting will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, the Town will be closed on Memorial  Board could turn in the application.  Day.  XII. CLOSED SESSION  Mayor Roth asked that the closed session agenda be amended to add $143- 318.11(a)3. Counciwoman Byers made a motion to add $143-318.11(a)3 to closed session with a second by Councilman Wobbleton. The motion passed A motion was made by Councilman Wobbleton to go into Closed Session under $143-318.11(a)3) to consult with an attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the public body, which privilege is hereby acknowledged and $143-318.11(a)) top prevent the disclosure ofi information that is privileged or confidential pursuant to the law of this State or of the United States, or not considered a public record within the meaning of Chapter 132 of the General Statutes, and $143-318.10(e) every public body shall keep full and accurate minutes of all official meetings,  unanimously.  May 13, 20247 Town ofF Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 11    including any closed sessions held pursuant to $143-318.11. Such minutes may be in written form or, at the option of the public body, may be in the form of sound or video and sound recordings. When a public body meets in closed session, it shall keep a general account of the closed session sO that a person not in attendance would have a reasonable understanding of what transpired with a second by Counciwoman Teel. The motion passed unanimously.  XIII. OPEN SESSION  Counciwoman Teel made a motion to adjourn the meeting with a second by  Counciwoman Nixon. The motion passed unanimously.  Respectfully submitted,    Brian A. Roth Mayor  Wallau Dorenda Wallace Clerk  Ph  May 13, 20247 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 12