TOWN OF PLYMOUTH MEETING MINUTES  OCTOBER 10, 2022-VIA COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND ZOOM  7:00 p.m.  CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Brian Roth  The Mayor opened the meeting and welcomed all attendees. Councilman Wobbleton led with prayer and Mayor Roth led the Pledge of Allegiance.  PRESENT ABSENT  COUNCILMEMBER  X  Mayor Pro-Tempore Brooks Councilman Boston Councilwoman Byers Councilman Tharps Counciwoman Williams Councilman Wobbleton Mayor Roth  X X X X X X  II.  APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA  Mayor Roth asked if there were any additions or deletions to the Agenda. Interim Town Manager Styons asked to add Maritime Museum under VII Department Reports No. 4. A motion to approve the agenda with the addition was made by Councilwoman Byers with a second by Councilman Boston. The motion passed  unanimously.  III. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None IV. PRESENTATIONS TO THE COUNCIL  A. NATIONAL SOCIETY OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN The Mayor introduced Reagent Gail Hodges from the Brick House Landing Chapter. Mrs. Hodges introduced other members in attendance. Mrs. Hodges presented information relative to the Wreaths Across America" program. The mission of the program is to remember fallen veterans by placing homemade wreaths. It began at Arlington Cemetery and has expanded. Mrs. Hodges stated that its' goal to one day have a wreath placed on every veteran's grave. She further explained that it the goal of the Brick House Landing Chapter to place a wreath on every grave at Hillside Cemetery. Mrs. Hodges further shared, the amount, costs, and the number of wreaths that will need to be sold in order to meet that goal. After discussion about a deadline for payment with the Council as well as the Interim Town Manager, Mayor Roth  REVOLUTION "WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA"  October. 10, 2022 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 1    asked that the group provide a flyer so that Town staff can assist with getting  the word out.  B. UNDERGROUND RAILROAD DESIGNATION  Mayor Roth read a Statement on behalf of Mr. Willie Drye, who could not attend the meeting. Among other things, it was announced through the statement that the National Park Service accepted an application to recognize Water Street Landing Park and the Plymouth waterfront as part of the Network to Freedom National Underground Railroad Program. Councilman Boston stated his interest in the Armistead House. Interim Town Manager Styons stated that the topic was added to the agenda and will be discussed  later.  V. NEW BUSINESS A. Police Vehicles  Interim Town Manager Styons gave some background regarding this matter. He reported that when he left, a plan was put into place to stagger the purchase of vehicles sO that the Town would not have vehicles in the fleet that are old. He further reported that there has been no purchase of vehicles since 2018. Interim Town Manager Styons suggested that the Town spend some of the ARP dollars on police vehicles. Interim Town Manager Styons also mentioned that he will present an Economic Viability Plan to the Council next month to assist in increasing the Town's Fund Balance. He then shared his strategy to purchase three police vehicles from ARP funds. Bids were received for state contract vehicles. Chris Harrison, who works in Fleet Maintenance assisted with obtaining the bids. Interim Town Manager Styons asked Mr. Harrison to speak about maintenance and service on the vehicles, specifically, Taurus' VS. SUVS. A motion was made by Councilman Boston to transfer funds from the unallocated line item of ARP to the Public Safety Police line item with a second by Counciwoman Byers. After further discussion, it was determined that the vehicles will not arrive until February.  The motion carried unanimously.  VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None VII. DEPARTMENT REPORTS  (Included in agenda packages)  1. Financial - For the period ending September 30, 2022  Interim Town Manager Styons reported that a revised budget for the Town will be presented at November's Council meeting along with a letter of recommendation of what the Town's total plan should look like over the next  October. 10, 2022 Towne of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 2    twelve months that will increase fund balance. Counciwoman Williams asked ift there could be something added to the next water bill explaining the rate  increase. 2. Police Department  Chief Williams reported the status of new hires. He also reported that unfortunately there is a lot of gun activity on the streets. Chief Williams reported that he has been actively working with other law enforcement agencies. He further reported that the problem primarily lies with juveniles. The Council discussed positive alternatives for youth, including recreation. Mayor Roth asked that Chief Williams brief the Council and the public about activities with the Explorers Post Program and its success. Councilman Boston stated that he would like to speak with Chief Williams to connect students with the Explorers and perhaps the County Commissioners, while expressing his concern for youth that have nothing to do. Chief Williams also spoke to the upcoming fundraiser that the Explorers will have for the Halloween season. Continued discussion was held about finding recreational grant funding and working with the County Commissioners as well as Roper  and Creswell for a PART-F grant plus funding for operations.  3. Public Works:  On-going projects: WWWTP Plant Rehabilitation: The project close out is in process. CDBG Construction: The project is in close out is in process. Viable Utility Grant (Water) application was submitted September 30, 2022. Viable Utility Grant (Sewer) application was also submitted September 30, 2022. Domtar Restrooms: The Town is still waiting for approval from Domtar Trustees. Wilson Street Park Renovation: Bid opening - bid opening had to be re-advertised and will be rescheduled for October 27th at 2:00 p.m. HMGP (FEMA) Generators: Waiting on overrun cost refund. Convenience site: Staff is still researching costs,  locations, and possible grants.  Streets:  Repaired and paved streets: Plumblee Court Paylor Court, Cherry Street, Riverside Drive Removed speed humps from Golf Road  Building & Grounds:  o Put up flags downtown 308 West 3rd Street  Water: Repaired leaks at:  October. 10, 2022 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 3    304 West 4th Street 522 East 3rd Street  Installed fire hydrant and two water valves on Wilson Street  Replaced three service connections  Sewer: Cleared out blockages:  410 Wilson Street 124 W. Water Street 724 Wilson Street 115 Jackson Heights (x3) 114 Country Club Drive 107 Cranberry Street 65 Mackey's Road 203 Brinkley Place 115 Logan Avenue  WWTP  Replaced one pump in grit removal system; second pump out  for repair  Ran temporary power to Clarifier #2 O Hilly Circled - pulled pump for repair Picking up trash piles around Town Picking up litter around Town  Pump Stations: Sanitation  Code Enforcement:  Move Outs - Three move outs. One homeowner was contacted, and they took care ofi it. A notice has been sent to the other, with no response as of Dilapidated Houses - There are several dilapidated properties that are  yet.  under investigation to be demolished:  304 Madison Street 306 Madison Street 502 Madison Street Carolina Avenue  Received quotes for the demolition of two mobile homes on  Abandoned Vehicles - One notice was sent out and the vehicle was Grass and Weed Nuisance - Seven complaints were received with six House Nuisance = Four notices were sent out with receipt of four positive  removed. positive responses. replies with letters of intent..  October 10, 2022 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 4    Ordinance Complaints - Three complaints were received with three Code Enforcement Officer Brown discussed other properties that were mentioned by Interim Town Manager Styons that needed to be followed up on. Councilman Tharps asked about a house on Wilson Street. Code Enforcement Officer stated that the house had burned down the night before. Councilwoman Williams asked about the house located on Washington and Main Streets. Discussion took place regarding how the house was set up and Code Enforcement Officer Brown also presented the Council with a list of properties that have been demolished and the liens that might be attached. Attorney Isenberg addressed the issue of liens and the process for issuing liens under the General Statutes. Attorney Isenberg stated that she will follow up with Code Enforcement Officer Brown regarding this issue.  positive responses.  what could be done about it, as well trailers on Wilson Street.  4. Maritime Museum  Mr. Tad Howington thanked the Council for their support with the Underground Railroad Designation. He then introduced Janelle James to speak about the cultural significance of the Armistead House. After giving a short history of the house, she stated that she is seeking assistance in boarding up the windows sO that the rain can be kept out. She stated that she is looking for 19 persons that will volunteer to purchase plywood to help weatherize the house. Several persons volunteered to assist. Discussion continued about how the importance and historical significance of the house  iss strong.  VII. CONSENT AGENDA  The consent agenda contained:  A. MINUTES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 SPECIAL MEETING  There being no changes, a motion was made by Councilman Wobbleton to approve the minutes with a second by Councilman Boston. The motion B.A APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 2022-08 TO APPROVE A SPECIAL The Finance Clerk explained that the Fire Department received a special appropriation through Senator Goodwin in the amount of $50,000 for Capital Improvements. A motion was made to approve Ordinance 2022-08 by  passed unanimously. The motion passed 5-0. APPROPRIATION FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  October. 10, 2022 Townd of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Pages 5    Councilman Boston with a second by Councilman Wobbleton. The motion  passed unanimously.  C.A APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT 2022-09  The Finance Clerk explained that the budget amendment mirrors the Ordinance 2022-08 for the Fire Department's special appropriation. A motion was made by Councilman Boston to approve Budget Amendment 2022-09 with a second by D. APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 2022-09 - TO REPEAL RESIDENCY Mayor Roth gave Attorney Isenberg the floor who then explained the Ordinance. She reported that she previously suggested that the Ordinance be repealed and taken off of the books and gave an explanation as to why keeping the Ordinance could be problematic. Attorney Isenberg stated that taking the Ordinance off of the books does not mean that the Town could not contract with someone with specific terms. A motion was made by Councilman Wobbleton to Repeal Residency Requirements with a second by Councilman Tharps. Motion passed 4 - 1 with Councilwoman Williams  Mayor Pro-Tempore Brooks. The motion passed unanimously.  REQUIREMENTS  dissenting.  IX. OLD BUSINESS  A. PLYMOUTH MUSEUM LEASE UPDATE  Interim Town Manager Styons asked Attorney Isenberg to update the Council on the matter. She explained the steps that have to take place before the B. SURPLUS OF PERPERTY LOCATED ON SANDHILL ROAD UPDATE Interim Town Manager Styons reported that a minimum sealed bid of $5,000.00 has been advertised. The bid opening date should be sometime in  lease agreement can be approved.  early November.  C. COMMUNITY INPUT NIGHT/CPNI UPDATE  Mayor Roth asked Town Clerk Wallace to report on this issue. Town Clerk Wallace stated that Community Input Night has been set for November 3, 2022, at Trump's Restaurant on US Hwy 64 at 7:00 p.m. for two hours. Town Clerk Wallace reported that a ZOOM call has been scheduled for the 20th with the CPNI team. Councilman Boston asked about the advertisement process for the Community Input Night. Interim Town Manager Styons reported that hundreds of flyers were distributed throughout the Town although some mistakes had been made by taking the flyers to the Post Office. Town Clerk  October. 10, 2022 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 6    Wallace also reported that the flyers were mailed to approximately 26  churches as well.  D. CDBG 15-1-3047 GRANT CLOSE OUT UPDATE  The Town Clerk reported that there will be an advertisement for a public hearing in order to comply with the grant requirements. The public hearing will take place at the Town Council's November meeting. She also explained the process of requiring the minutes to be approved as soon as possible.  E.A AUDIT UPDATE  Finance Officer Wallace reported that audit testing has started, and she anticipates that the audit will begin in approximately two weeks.  X. INTERIM TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT  Interim Town Manager Styons reported that a new budget with new rates will be presented at the Town Council's November meeting, along with a consulting plan  ofc continued economic viability for the Town.  XI. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT  Attorney Isenberg stated that she has already addressed any issues during the meeting that she would have otherwise reported. Interim Town Manager Styons remembered to announce that the Christmas Parade will be held December 8th at 5:30 p.m. The staff party will be held on December 15th at 6:00 p.m. at the Maritime Museum. Interim Town Manager Styons also passed out an information sheet to follow up about a previous discussion regarding landfill rates. Mayor Roth and Councilman Boston asked about the progress on the search for al Town Manager. Attorney Issenberg reported that today is the last day to submit applications, although the position will be opened until filled. She further reported that several applications were received. Councilman Boston asked if the application date can be extended due to the fact that the Residency Ordinance was passed today. Attorney Isenberg stated that the position can be re-posted. After continued discussion, Attorney Isenberg recommended that the advertisement be re-posted without the residency requirement. Councilwoman Byers asked if the position has to be advertised. Attorney Isenberg stated that  she preferred not to discuss the subject in open session. XII. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL  Councilman Wobbleton asked that the Councilmembers that belong in the same ward sit together. After further discussion, the Council did not come to a decision  tor move seats.  October. 10, 2022 Townd of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 7    XII. ADJOURNMENT  There being no further business, a motion was made by Councilwoman Williams to adjourn the meeting with a second from Councilman Wobbleton. The motion  passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted,  E  Brian Roth Mayor  2udao  Dorenda Wallace Clerk  October. 10, 2022 Towne of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 8