TOWN OF PLYMOUTH MEETING MINUTES MARCH 18, 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 Counciwoman Byers Counciwoman Davis Councilwoman Nixon Counciwoman Teel Councilman Wobbleton  II.  APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA  Mayor Roth stated he has been informed that a Resolution Authorizing Declaration of Sewer Easements needs to be added to the Agenda under Consent Agenda F. A motion was made by Councilwoman Byers to approve the agenda with the addition with a second by Councilman Wobbleton. The motion  carried unanimously. III. PRESENTATIONS  A. LIFE SAVING AWARDS  The Council presented plaques of appreciation to Broderick Jett, Aaron Wilkins, Drewkenny Norman and Johnny Warren for their heroism when they voluntarily saved the life of Mrs. Patricia Wells from a burning home on Christmas Day. Mrs. Patricia Wells' son attended as she could not and gave the gentlemen heartfelt thanks. All recipients were given the opportunity to  speak as well.  IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS  A. ADOPTING THE TOWN OF PLYMOUTH CAMA COMPREHENSIVE  PLAN/STRATEGIC PLAN  March 18, 20241 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 1    Mayor Roth declared that the Public Hearing be opened and invited Jamie Heath of the Mid-East Commission to come forward and present the CAMA Comprehensive Plan/Strategic Plan. Ms. Heath came forward and announced that this public hearing is for comments on the adoption of the Town of Plymouth CAMA Comprehensive Plan/Strategic Plan. She stated that the document meets local government planning requirements under the Coastal Area Management Act and under N.C.G.S. 160D. Ms. Heath listed the participants in the planning of this document as well as the use of public surveys and a public open house. She explained the timeline and steps taken to produce the document. Ms. Heath then asked if the public had any questions or comments about the plan, to please voice them at this time. Public Comments were made by Mrs. Baird-Forner. Councilwoman Teel stated that she understood that this is a comprehensive plan and asked ifitis is as strategic plan. Counciwoman Teel reminded the Council that former Mayor Pro-Tempore Spencer was adamant about the Town having a strategic plan with a timeline. Ms. Heath then discussed how this plan meets statutory requirements, and that there is not a specific definition as to what is statutorily required for a strategic plan. She further stated that there may be some local governments in our area that might have a separate strategic plan; however, bigger municipalities, for example Raleigh most likely have separate plans. Mayor Roth stated that there are still 30 days in which the public can provide input. Counciwoman Davis asked that Ms. Heath explain what the plan is SO that when the public comes with questions Ms. Heath will not be bombarded. Ms. Heath answered that the Plan is a vision for the Town's future, which includes analysis of the existing land use map and a future land use map that will be used to guide the zoning ordinance and other development ordinances. The other part of the plan, she continued, is the strategic plan that has several goals and objectives for community improvement, and Ms. Kim Williams raised her hand to speak. Ms. Williams asked if the Town could get a copy of the County's strategic plan sO as to make sure we are not overlapping. Mayor Roth stated that the question will be answered after the Mr. Marty Brooks came forward to remark about making sure the plan Mrs. Baird-Forner stated that strategic plans have both vision statements and mission statements. She asked that both be included in this plan. Mayor Roth then declared the Public Hearing closed. Ms. Heath stated that a lot of the things that people were saying are addressed in the plan. She  implementation of grant programs.  Public Hearing.  encompasses all of the Town, not just the waterfront.  March. 18, 20241 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page2    volunteered to read the goals and objectives should the Council sO desire. Councilwoman Davis asked again, for those who have not read it, how the plan affects the community. Ms. Heath responded that the Mid-East Commission was contracted to help the Town develop the Plan. Implementing the Plan is the Town's responsibility. She continued by stating that there are goals, policies, and implementation actions in several areas and while developing the plan, equitable full improvements for everyone in the community was part of the process. Ms. Heath began to read management Mayor Roth encouraged citizens to read the plans and let the citizens know B. CONSIDERATON TO APPROVE PROPOSED RESOLUTION 2024-08 ADOPTING THE TOWN OF PLYMOUTH CAMA COMPREHENSIVE Mayor Roth explained that the Council can choose to approve the plan, which would implement the 30 day written public comment period or the Council can keep this open, and we can have a community night and get additional information from the public. A motion to have a community night and not take action on the plan at this time was made by Councilwoman Teel with a second by Councilwoman Davis. The motion passed unanimously. Mayor Roth and Councilwoman Davis both stressed the importance of reading the  goals.  that the Council wants their feedback.  PLAN/STRATEGIC PLAN  Plan.  V. PUBLIC COMMENT  The following citizens made Public Comments:  Ms. Sarah Baird-Forner Mr. Marty Brooks Ms. Kim Williams Officer Evan Sokolove  VI. DEPARTMENT REPORTS  1. FINANCIAL REPORT - For the period ending February 29, 2024  Finance Officer Wallace asked Council if they have had a chance to look over the Finance Report and if they had any questions about expenditures. She handed out a budget amendment and explained that the amendments are made sO that we do not overspend the budget during the fiscal year; however, due to timing, and an audit finding, there is an expense that is at a negative due to ORBIT. Finance Officer Wallace answered questions regarding the ORBIT payment. A motion to approve Budget Amendment 2024-03 was  March 18, 20241 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 3    made by Counciwoman Byers with a second by Councilwoman Teel. After discussion about clarification of the amendment number, both Counciwoman Byers and Counciwoman Teel rescinded their motion. Councilwoman Byers made a motion to approve the budget amendment that has been made by staff and authorize staff to insert the correctly corresponding budget revision number to go with the amendments with a second by Councilwoman Teel.  The motion passed unanimously. 2. POLICE DEPARTMENT  Chief Williams stated that the Police Department report is in the agenda package and asked if there were any questions. Chief Williams stated that this would be his last Council meeting and took the time to thank the Police Department as well as each Council Member, Town Manager Floyd, and the citizens for their support. Each Council member, in turn gave him their best regards and thanked him for his service. Councilwoman Teel asked if Chief Williams was a part of the interview process. She then asked Town Manager Floyd if there was a panel. Councilwoman Teel suggested that there be a panel because of the importance of the position and that the decision should not be left up to one person. Town Manager Floyd stated that she has had interviews and will have second interviews and will be speaking with Chief Williams about making an appointment. Councilwoman Teel asked if Chief would participate in the second interviews. Town Manager Floyd stated that she would see about that. Councilwoman Teel stated that she understands that the final decision will be that of Town Manager Floyd and gave an example of how panels were used when she was working, a list of questions was used, and applicants scored. Counciwoman Teel asked if any current Town of Plymouth officers applied. Town Manager Floyd stated that she could  not answer that question because it falls under management.  3. PUBLIC WORKS  Public Works Director Wright reported that the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the FEMA generators are still in the process of closeout. He stated that the Town has submitted everything needed and that the close-outs are waiting on the State. The Town sent a letter to ask for an extension of the Viable Utility Grant due to a change in the project area and scope of work. The Town is applying for a PARTF grant in May. The Wooten Company is compiling a report for the AIA Sewer Grant and would like to present it to the Council at either the May meeting or a workshop as it will take approximately an hour to present. Installation has begun for the Bulkhead Pump out station. The Streetscape Grant will move forward after a workshop on the design.  Streets  Asphalt patching around Town  March. 18, 20241 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page4 4    Buildings and Grounds:  Edging curbs & sidewalks  Replacing damaged boards on boardwalk and deck Repaired leak at the following addresses:  Water:  821 Wilson Street 721 Wilson Street  Repaired leak at Madison and E Main Streets  Sewer:  Cleared out sewer blockages at the following addresses:  529 Monroe Street 1304 E. Main Street 333 West Avenue 119A Sawmill circle 303 4th Street 5114. Adams Street 410 Wilson Street 107 Bateman Street 203 Golf Road 509 Monroe Street 903 E. Main Street 102 Kirk Avenue 108 Winesett Circle  Flushed 425' of main line from Rankin Lane to Plumblee Court  WWTP:  N/A  Pump Stations  Washington Street lift station running on by-pass pump  Stations with pumps down: Hilly Circle (2) West Main Street (1) Washington Street (2) Industrial Park (1) Jefferson Street (1)  Sanitation  Picking up litter in Town  Mayor Roth asked Public Works Director Wright to explain why the Town is having problems with the pump stations. Public Works Director Wright explained the process that it takes to diagnose the problems. He then reported that the carpet in the Council Chambers will be pulled and replaced  March. 18, 2024 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page5    with flooring. Counciwoman Teel asked about a cone in the middle of the road on Brinkley Avenue. Public Works Director Wright explained why the cone is located there. Counciwoman Nixon asked that Public Works Director Wright explain to the public about checking the pipes that lead to the water meters. He explained that it is a nationwide mandate. The process is to check the Town's side and that Public Works might possibly have to dig in a citizen's  yard on the other side of the meter.  4. FIRE DEPARTMENT  President Phillip McNair represented the Fire Department and gave their report which included search and rescue training and working on their budget. President McNair also invited the Council to a presentation and a tour of the station. President McNair asked for a date; however, specified that the time  will need to be at 6:00 p.m. 5. CODE ENFORCEMENT  The spreadsheet report is included for the month of February 29, 2024.  6. UTILITY ITAX COLLECTIONS  The reports are included in the agenda package for the month ending  February 29, 2024. 7. MUSEUMS  8. The reports are included in the agenda package for the month ending  February 29, 2024  VII. CONSENT AGENDA  An motion was made to add Real Estate and Personal Property Insolvent Requests as Item number G under the consent agenda by Counciwoman Byers with a second by Councilman Wobbleton. The motion passed unanimously.  The Consent Agenda included:  A. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED JANUARY 8, 2024 A motion to approve the proposed January 8, 2024 minutes was made by Councilman Wobbleton with a second by Councilwoman Teel. The motion  MINUTES  passed unanimously.  March 18, 20241 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 6    B. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED JANUARY 31, 2024 Ar motion was made to approve the proposed January 31, 2024 minutes by Councilman Wobbleton with a second by Counciwoman Teel. The motion C. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED FEBRUARY 12, 2024 A motion was made to approve the proposed February 12, 2024 minutes by Counciwoman Teel with a second by Councilman Wobbleton. The motion D. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE PROPOSED RESOLUTION 2024-07 AUTHORIZING SALE OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 521 MONROE Finance Officer Wallace reported that she received an email from the County stating that the advertisement and auction dates that are on the resolution needed to be changed. A motion to approve Resolution 2024-07 was made by Councilwoman Byers with a second by Councilman Wobbleton. The E. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE PROPOSED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING DECLARATION OF SEWER EASEMENTS Town Manager Floyd explained that the sewer easement is for Dollar General and will be located next to Pizza Hut on Hwy 64 East. She stated that Attorney Isenberg has reviewed it, made some changes, and sent it back to the company and it is now ready to be approved. A motion to approve the Resolution Authorizing Declaration of the Sewer Easement was made by Councilwoman Byers with a second by Counciwoman Teel. The F. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE REAL ESTATE AND PERSONAL Finance Officer Wallace explained that this is for personal property and is ten years past due on an inactive account. A motion was made to approve the insolvency request for Account No. 1714 by Councilwoman Wobbleton with a second by Councilman Tharps. The motion carried unanimously. G.C CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE REAL ESTATE AND PERSONAL  MINUTES  passed unanimously. MINUTES  passed unanimously.  STREET  motion passed unanimously.  motion passed unanimously.  INSOLVENCY REQUEST ACCOUNT NO. 1714  INSOLVENCY REQUEST ACCOUNT NO. 373  March. 18, 20241 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 7    Finance Officer Wallace explained that this is related to personal property and needs to be released as well. A motion was made to approve the Real Estate and Personal insolvency Request Account No. 373 by Councilwoman Byers with a second by Councilman Wobbleton. The motion passed  unanimously. VIII. OLD BUSINESS  A. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF THE AGREEMENT WITH NC DMV TO OPEN A LICENSE PLATE Town Manager Floyd stated that Attorney Isenberg has looked over the agreement with the DMV and if the Town wants to provide these services the Town can enter into the agreement. A motion was made by Councilwoman Byers to approve the agreement with the NC DMV License Plate Agency with a second by Councilman Wobbleton. The motion  AGENCY.  carried unanimously-  IX. NEW BUSINESS  A. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF THE AGREEMENT WITH TEAGUE, CAMPBELL, DENNIS AND Town Manager Floyd explained that services are being billed at a flat retainer and the new contract will change to an hourly rate, which should decrease expenses. Attorney Isenberg also clarified the difference in expenses. After discussion, a motion was made to approve the agreement as presented by Counciwoman Byers with a second by Councilman  GORHAM, LLP  Wobbleton. The motion passed unanimously.  X. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT  Town Manager Floyd announced that the Community Clean Up Day will be held April 27th. She then reported that she has received a number of qualified applicants for the position of Police Chief. Town Manager Floyd stated that she will be meeting with Chief Williams about that in the morning.  XI. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT  Attorney Isenberg stated that she wants to share something with the Council that has to do with a matter in closed session concerning updating the Council on a lawsuit that was filed against the Town entitled Mary Moore and  Gary Thomas, Jr. versus Sheriff Johnny Barnes.  March: 18, 20241 Townd of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 8    XII. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM COUNCIL  Mayor Roth also announced the April 27th Town Clean Up. He then asked to discuss having a workshop. Wednesday March 27th at 9:30 a.m. was agreed upon. April 16th for the Harbor Town Program Kick-Off was also announced.  XIII. CLOSED SESSION  A motion to go into closed session under $143-318.11(a)3) to consult with an attorney employed by the public body to preserve the attorney client privileges which privileges hereby acknowledge and also concerning the lawsuit entitled Mary Moore and Gary Thomas, Jr., versus Sherrif Johnny Barnes et. al. was made by Counciwoman Byers with a second by  Councilwoman Nixon. XIV. ADJOURNMENT  There being no further business, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Counciwoman Teel with a second by Councilwoman Byers. The motion  passed unanimously.  Respectfully submitted,  30 -  Brian A. Roth Mayor  wpls Wallace Clerk  2  March 18, 20241 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 9