TOWN OF PLYMOUTH MEETING MINUTES JULY 8, 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. Mayor Roth then led the meeting with prayer and led the Pledge of Allegiance.  PRESENT ABSENT  COUNCILMEMBER  X X x X X  Mayor Roth Mayor Pro-Tempore Tharps Counciwoman Byers Councilwoman Davis Counciwoman Nixon Councilwoman Teel Councilman Wobbleton  X  X  NOTE: Attorney Arnita Doula is now representing the Town of Plymouth. Attorney Natalia Isenberg is no. longer with Teague, Campbell, Dennis & Gorham LLP.  II.  APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA  Counciwoman Teel made a motion to approve the agenda as presented with a second by Counciwoman Byers. The motion passed unanimously.  III. PRESENTATIONS TO THE COUNCIL  Elizabeth Webber (The Wooten Company) presented the Wastewater Asset Inventory and Assessment (AIA) Report to the Council. After a question and answer session, including clarification that applying for a CDBG Grant as a result of this report will notr require a match, Councilwoman Byers made a motion to Adopt the. AIA Report as a presented with a second by Counciwoman Nixon. The motion  passed unanimously. IV. PUBLIC COMMENT  The following persons spoke during the public comment period:  Cedrick Wilkins Sherrie Saucedo Kim Williams Yokanon Isreal Sarah Baird-Forner  July 8, 20247 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 1    V.  DEPARTMENT REPORTS  1. Financial Report t- For the period ending June 30, 2024  Finance Officer Wallace explained that reports began with summary sheets from each Fund. She explained that Stormwater and Sanitation will have to be worked out during the audit. As for the rest of the Funding units, we are in line Mayor Roth declared a 15 minute recess during the report. When Mayor Roth called the meeting back into session, Finance Officer Wallace asked if anyone had questions about the summary report. She also reported that Jeff Best will Town Manager Floyd explained that a lot of the properties that the Town owns are properties that are needed to run the Town, such as lift stations, wells sites, parks, the Wastewater and Water Treatment Plants, etc. She explained that there are some properties that the Town has foreclosed on that will be brought to the Council to surplus sO that they may be sold and could possibly be used for homeownership and be brought back onto the tax books. Finance Officer Wallace added that the report will change as of June 30th due to income and Counciwoman Byers stated for the record, "Iheard a couple of times by one of our speakers that there's corruption going on our and I want to bring this up because as Council we have fiduciary duties and you as a Finance Director also have duties and our Town Manager. We get and Jeff Best we spend $40,000.00 with him to come in and audit our books and to tell us anything that he sees going wrong there, and you as a Finance Director do you see any problems of any kind of corruption going on? And I will... " Finance Officer Wallace answers not under my watch. Councilwoman Byers continues "to Jeff when he sends a letter that we are getting from a citizen saying that there is corruption going on sO he can look at it. But we're paying money and I'm thinking we're getting the service. But we need to follow through on that. So I want y'all to know that." Finance Officer Wallace answered when it comes to the numbers in terms of the Finance Office, we have checks and balances, and we follow those. Sometimes, there might be a mistake or, but those can be rectified but in terms of finance, financial corruption, anything coming across my desk since I've been here. Councilwoman Byers continued, "well, we Iwant we've got to get that cleared up because sounds like they're not talking about Town Manager Floyd gave an explanation about a rumor about $300,000.00 that was actually reported in the audit as fund balance. Finance Officer' Wallace  with revenue VS. expenses.  be returning next week for the audit, which has begun.  expenses that will not come in until July.  hints."  July 8, 20247 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 2    added that as Finance Officer she is under a $750,000.00 bond and that she is Mayor Roth explained that Mr. Best sends each Councimember a letter asking ift they suspect anything corrupt as a part of the audit. Councilwoman Nixon stated that the Council going forward will to try to get as close to the policies and procedures as they can and they will try to get around to all oft the different positions at the Town Office, including Town Manager Floyd, Planning & Zoning, and the Police Department. Town Manager Floyd stated that a lot of  not going to jail for the Town of Plymouth.  the Town's policies need to be updated.  2. Police Department  Town Manager Floyd introduced the newly appointed Police Chief - Louis Banks. Chief Banks thanked the Council for the opportunity. He stated that he has confidence that the Department can push forward. He reported that he has had several meetings with former Captain Williams and Town Manager Floyd. Captain Banks stated that he is still working as a patrol officer due to being Counciwoman Teel asked Chief Banks about what he is going to do about diversity when he hires. He stated that they are going to advertise and recruit and a diverse force. Captain Banks also stated that he will be speaking with Town Manager Floyd about salaries. He wants to ensure that the Department has a community policing approach sO that the community will be able to have open communication with and get to know the community. He would like to establish foot patrol as well. Mayor Roth asked Town Manager Floyd to contact and schedule meetings with Council members SO that they can get to know him. Counciwoman Byers is concerned about the hours that the Chief is working, and she wants to make sure that he receives the resources that he Former Chief Williams told the Council that he is assisting with transition.  short staffed; however, he is getting calls for open positions.  needs because safety is important.  3. Code Enforcement: 30, 2024.  Code Enforcement Officer Brown presented the report for the month of June  Move Outs  There were three move outs. The homeowners were contacted, and the  homeowners took care of the situations.  Dilapidated Houses  There are several dilapidated properties that are in process of being  demolished including a property on West Avenue.  July8 8, 20241 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 3    Abandoned Vehicles removed.  Four notices were sent out and two of the vehicles have been  Grass and Weed Nuisance House Nuisance  There were ten complaints issued with eight positive responses. Four notices were sent with three positive responses. One is still  being worked on. Ordinance Complaints  There were five complaints with three positive responses. Two  are still being investigated.  Code Enforcement Officer Brown also answered questions from Councilwoman Nixon, Councilwoman Teel and Councilman Wobbleton about dilapidated homes Councilwoman Nixon asked about the property on Fourth Street. Code Enforcement Officer stated that he spoke with Public Works Director Wright, and  and abandoned vehicles.  itwas taken care of.  4. Town Projects/Public Works:  Assistant Public Works Director Arnold reported that the fence for the Dog Park has arrived. He also reported that Public Works has repaired the rotten boards on the boardwalk. There were problems at the Hilly Circle, West Main Lift Station, Jefferson Street and Washington Street. Assistant Public Works Director Arnold reported that the hot weather caused the pumps to overheat sO the pumps had to be pulled sO that they could cool down. He also reported that Sanitation has been picking up a lotoftrash. Councilwomen Teel, Nixon and Byers asked that Assistant Public Works Director Arnold tell the staff that they are doing a great job.  5. Fire Department  New Fire Chief Joshua Swain introduced himself and gave a list of the new appointments as a result of the election. Chief Swain named Bill Lancaster = 1st Assistant Chief; Bradley Sawyer - 2nd Assistant Chief; Jeff Arnold - Captain; Hunter Scott - Training Officer. Counciwoman Davis read an ordinance that stated that after nomination and selection the Chief is subject to confirmation by Town Council. She then informed him that he was not the Chief of the Fire Department because his position had not been confirmed by Council. Counciwoman Byers agreed and suggested that the motion can be made at this  July 8, 2024 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 4    meeting. Discussion took place as to what could be done. Counciwoman Teel stated that she looked at the officers rostera and there isno diversity. Councilwoman Byers asked Attorney Doula her opinion. Town Manager Floyd asked Chief Swain toe explain the election process and asked for an updated roster listi including years of service. Councilwoman Nixon suggested to go back to the drawing board. Attorney Doula advised that it be put in the form of a motion. Councilwoman Teel made a motion that the Fire Department goes back, holds new elections, and bring back the Chief's nomination per our ordinance to the Council to approve, with a second by Counciwoman Nixon. The motion passed unanimously.  6. Utility Billing  The information is included in the agenda packet.  7. Tax Collection  The information is included in the agenda packet.  8. Museums  AI brief summary report is included in the agenda packet. Town Manager Floyd stated that she is going to ask a representative from each Museum to come to the Town Council meetings to give their reports. Town Clerk Wallace pointed out that ini the past, she had requested this report be more in depth. She stated  that if you look at it, you cannot tell who submitted it.  VI.  CONSENT AGENDA The Consent Agenda included: MEETING MINUTES  A. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED JUNE 10, 2024 Town Clerk Wallace pointed out that there was one report from one Museum and reported that she had previously asked that their report be more detailed. She also stated that she does not know the person that is the new Curator for the Maritime Museum. Mayor Roth reported that his name is Mark Pardue. Town Manager Floyd stated that she will request that both museums send a Counciwoman Teel made a motion to approve the June 10, 2024 Meeting Minutes as presented with a second by Councilwoman Byers. The motion Councilwoman Byers posed a question about former Fire Department Chiefs not being brought before the Council to approve. A: short discussion took place  representative to report to the Council at Council meetings.  passed unanimously.  July 8, 20247 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 5    regarding how the process should be handled moving forward. Attorney Doula suggested that the Town move forward from this point as there is nothing to correct at this point. Counciwoman Nixon stated fori the record That's what we are trying to do. That's why I said that we're going to try as Council people to come to every department next week to make sure that we are following, that we are following policies. Inevery position, Police Department, make sure he's, they're following policy and get it back on track because this Council has been off track for a while. Not this Council. Let me straighten this out, not this Council. We're trying to straighten up the other Councils. They've been off, ah, doing what they want to do. So now we're going to try to get you back on track in your B. CONSIDERATON TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2024-12 (ACCEPTING THE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED ON 521 MONROE STREET) Town Clerk Wallace reported that the property has been sold and gave the breakdown of the split of tax receivables from the County and the Town. Counciwoman Teel made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-12 oft the Town of Plymouth approving and accepting the sale of real property PIN # 6767.11- 65-4496521 Monroe Street with a second by Councilwoman Nixon. The motion C. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2024-13 (ADOPT AN AGREEMENT TO CONTINUE PARTICIPATION IN THE NORTH CAROLINA Town Clerk Wallace explained that this resolution is done on a yearly basis because the Town renews its contract with Small Town Main Street on a yearly basis. She stated that the Resolution is needed to update our continued participation in that program for Fiscal Year 2024 - 2025. After a discussion about the Committee for the Program, Town Clerk Wallace reminded the Council has already approved to continue to participate; and that the Town received the Streetscape Grant from this organization. A short discussion then took place about volunteers for the Program. Councilwoman Byers made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-13 with a second by Councilwoman Teel. Mayor Roth suggested that Counciwoman Byers back out of her motion and divide this topic into two separate motions. Councilwoman Byers first motion stood and passed unanimously. After further discussion Counciwoman Byers made a motion to place the Committee of the Small Town Main Street on the next month's Agenda from the DDA with a second by Counciwoman Nixon.  right positions. Cuz everybody's all over the place."  passed unanimously.  SMALL TOWN MAIN STEET PROGRAM 2024 - 2025  The motion passed unanimously.  July8 8, 20241 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 6    D. CONSIDERATION APPROVE RESOLUTION 2024-14 (ADOPTING THE Town Clerk Wallace reported that the Resilience Strategy is the strategy that Jamie Heath from the Mid-East Commission prepared for the Town. She continued to explain that the Community Action Team recommended approval of the adoption of the Draft Resilience Strategy. There was a public hearing, and the Resilience Strategy was submitted to the Coastal Resiliency Coordinator and now it is up to the Council to adopt it. Town Clerk Wallace reminded the Council of the public meetings that were held about drainage around the Town. Councilwoman Byers made a motion to approve Resolution 2024-14 with a second by Councilwoman Teel. The motion passed E. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE BUDGET AMENDMENT 2024-12  TOWN OF PLYMOUTH RESILIENCE STRATEGY)  unanimously.  (WATER FUND ELECTRIC UTILITIES)  Finance Officer Wallace explained that the budget for the 62 Fund was $12,216.00 short for the utilities and in order for us to balance the budget funds will need tol be used from contingency. The electric bill ran high. Town Manager Floyd also stated that thel bill ran high because oft the lift stations. A motion was made by Councilwoman Byers to approve Budget Amendment 2024-12 with a second by Councilwoman Nixon. The motion passed unanimously.  VII. OLD BUSINESS  A. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE PROPOSAL FOR CROSS CONNECTION Public Works Director Wright explained the cross connection control/backflow, prevention funding. Town Manager Floyd reminded the Council that they approved a contract with HydroCorps for the cross connection and backflow program. She explained that the Town does not have the staff on hand to complete the process and this request for the remainder is to make sure that the Town is following State Law, reviewing our Ordinance book, and getting it updated. The cost is $31,494.00. It was made clear that this is a one-time expense, and the funds are already in the budget, staff needs to be able to execute it. Councilwoman Byers made a motion to approve the cross connection control back flow prevention at the monthly cost of $2,624.50 with asecond by Councilwoman Davis. The motion passed unanimously.  CONTROUBACKFLOW. PREVENTION  July8 8, 20241 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 7    VIII. NEW BUSINESS  A. CONSIDERATION TO AWARD CLEANING SERVICES CONTRACT Public Works Director Wright reported that the contract the Town has is with Cinderella Cleaning. He explained that it was put out for bid and received five bids. It was determined that both Cinderella and Erikana Burnett are local. Councilwoman Byers made a motion that the Town stay with Cinderella. Both Counciwoman Teel and Counciwoman Davis stated that they have been told that Cinderella does not do a good job. The motion made by Councilwoman Byers died for lack of a second. Counciwoman Teel made a motion toi try Erikana Burnett with as second by Councilwoman Nixon. The motion passed unanimously.  IX. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT  Town Manager Floyd reported that the Town has received certification from North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality on the CAMA Land Use Plan.  X. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT  There was no report from Attorney Doula.  XI. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL  Counciwoman Teel announced that on July 20th at 11:00 a.m. at Martin Community College there will be a Water Purification Seminar. A cup of water can be brought and put in a cup and tested. If the water is not drinkable, they will give out a filter. Ifi it is too far gone, they will pay for you to buy water until your pipes Councilwoman Teel also stated that while listening to the people speaking tonight and how their non-profit (Quality ofl Life e-NC, Inc.) would like to start something to help the children and people in the community do, all they are asking for is for a place to operate. She stated that she would like to move on this since it is something different other than running around and shooting each other and we do not need to drag our feet on it. Counciwoman Teel stated that the Town cannot afford to renovate that building because it is tight on cash. She also suggested that the Council come up with a contract and time schedule and see what the results might be. Mayor Roth and Councilwoman Byers also expressed howi important this is and are excited the Allied Building could be as a Community Center that can also be used by the Arts Council. Counciwoman Teel made a motion that the Town, after contract talks, teams up with Quality ofl Life e-NC, Inc., to renovate the Allied Building and the Roanoke Center. Counciwoman Byers asked attorney Doula for her input. Attorney Doula stated that there are specific statues on leasing buildings to non-profits and partnering with non-profits and asked for some time to look at this sO that she can properly advise the Council on how to structure the  can be fixed.  July8 8, 2024 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 8    agreement. Councilwoman Teel then revised her motion that staff along with the attorney find out what it would take to partner with Quality of Life ENC, Inc., and the Arts Council to renovate and activate the old Allied Building and the Roanoke Center with a second by Counciwoman Byers. Councilwoman Davis wanted to make it known that the Town already has contracts and relationships with other Mayor Roth stated that earlier, one of the citizens mentioned recreation and better communication with the public and suggested that and offer be extended to the County Recreation Program that the Town post any oft their flyers, announcements, Counciwoman Byers then asked Town Manager Floyd about the lights on US Hwy 64. Town Manager Floyd stated that there is money ini thel budget and Public' Works Director Wright is ini the process of contacting Dominion Power. Mayor Roth stated that he has received several reports about light being out. He also stated that the Town is still paying for those lights whether they are on or off. Mayor Roth asked, ifthe Council agrees, for staff to report on how this issue can be solved. He then suggested that a newer law enforcement officer drive around at night to report them. Town Manager Floyd asked that a list of those areas be emailed to her. Counciwoman Byers asked about the tires on the generator at the airport and other places. Discussion took place and the concern is not that thet tires are rotting, Councilwoman Teel asked for the status of the funds from Congressman Davis for the Police Department public safety cameras. Town Manager Floyd stated that the Mayor Roth announced that there is going to be a Paddle Wheel Boat on July 20th. The cost is $100.00 per ticket, willl be a four hour cruise and will be open to anyone. The tickets must be purchased online by July 14th. Ifti tickets are purchased by. July Counciwoman Byers reminded the Council that thel Washington County Parks and  non-profits. The motion unanimously.  and if to add a direct link to them on our website.  but they are unprotected from the sun without covers.  Town is waiting for the actual funds.  10th, the price will be $90.00.  Recreation on the same day from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.  XII. CLOSED SESSION  Amotion was made by Counciwoman Teel togoi into Closed Session under $143- 318.11(a)(1) to prevent the disclosure of 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 Statues; and, $143-31.11(a)(3) to consult with an attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the  July 8, 20241 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 9    attorney and the public body, which privilege is hereby acknowledged. With a second by Counciwoman Byers. The motion passed unanimously.  XIII. ADJOURNMENT  Counciwoman Nixon stated that the meetings last about 3-1/2 hours and With no further business, Counciwoman Teel made a motion to adjourn the meeting with a second by Councilwoman Nixon. The motion passed unanimously.  sometimes longer. She stated that that's too late.  Respectfully submitted,  A  a Brian A. Roth Mayor  Apd wolau  Dorenda Wallace Clerk  Julys 8, 20241 Town of Plymouth Regular Town! Meeting Minutes  Page 10