Clinton NORTH CAROLINA  August 6, 2024, CITY COUNCIL MEETING  The City Council oft the City ofClinton, North Carolina, metin a regular session at 7:00 PM on August 6, 2024, in the City Hall Auditorium. Mayor Starling presided. Councilmembers Corbett, DuBose, Ruggles, Strickland, and Mayor Pro Tem Becton were  present. present.  City Attorney Joel Starling, Jr. of The Law Office of W. Joel Starling, Jr., PLLC was Also, present were City Manager James Duncan; Finance Director Kristin Stafford; Public Works Director Chris Medlin; HR Director Natalie Blue; Planning Director Mary Rose; Police ChiefAnthony Davis; Assistant Police ChiefAdrian Mathews; Fire ChiefHagan Thornton; Parks and Recreation Director Garrett Bryant; and Katina C. Gondo,  Administrative Specialist.  City Clerk Elaine F. Hunt and Senior Planner Lyle Moore were absent.  Michael Hardison ofThe Sampson Independent was present. Sylvia Chestnutt of  The Sampson Weekly was absent.  Reverend Dr. Ray Ammons, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Clinton, NC, gave  the invocation. OATH  Mayor Lew Starling gave the following Oath of Office to the City's newly appointed attorney, William Joel Starling, Jr. Mayor Starling, accompanied by Mayor Pro Tem Becton, asked Attorney Joel Starling, Jr. to place his left hand on the Bible, raise his right hand and repeat the oath as the Mayor read aloud. City Attorney Starling, Jr. and the Mayor signed the    NORTH CAROLINA SAMPSON COUNTY  OATH OF OFFICE  "1,W.Joels Starling, Jr., do solemnly swear (or affirm) that Iwill support and maintain the Constitution and laws of the United States, and the Constitution and laws of North Carolina not inconsistent therewith, and thatlwill endeavor to defend the Constitution and laws of said State, not inconsistent with the Constitution of the United States, to the best of my knowledge and ability; and thatlwill faithfully discharge the duties of my office as City Attorney, for the City  of Clinton, sO help me God."  CITY COUNCIL  Upon a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Becton, seconded by Councilmember Strickland, the minutes ofthe July2,2024,regularc city council meeting were unanimously  approved. PRESENTATIONS  Planning Director Mary Roseintroduced. Mr. Bill Scott, Chair ofthe Clinton Downtown Initiatives, Inc. She provided a briefbackground ofl Mr. Scott's accompishments. Planning Director Rose also spoke on how his expertise and commitment to creating opportunities and building communities were invaluable to developing downtown initiatives. Mr. Scott assisted in helping the Downtown Initiatives get established as a 501c3, a non-profit  organization.  Mr. Bill Scott, excitedly, spoke on how the Clinton Downtown Initiatives, Inc. was formed. He provided an overview of the organization and named its board members. One    of the founding fathers of the initiative is Mr. Hal Stewart, who is affectionately known as  "Mr. Downtown".  Mir.Scottspokeon other committees affiliated with the Downtown. Initiative and their focus areas. One committee focuses on design, one on marketing, and one on economic vitality. These committees are instrumental in carrying out one common goal: creating opportunities in the community. The mission of the Clinton Downtown Initiatives, Inc. is geared towards expansion, development, creating jobs and opportunities as well as citizen  involvement. LIFE-SAVING AWARDS  Chief Anthony Davis and Chief Hagan Thornton presented life-saving awards to the first responders whos spranginto: action to: savei thel life ofLt. Allen McDougald ont the evening  ofJuly 10th,2024.  The first responders who initiated and administered critical care at the time of the  life-saving incident were as follows: Clinton Fire Department Captain Jonathan Aman Firefighter Nathan Lawson Firefighter Austin Gregory Firefighter Matthew Parrish Firefighter Cody Brown Firefighter Corbin Horne Sampson County EMS  EMS1 1 -1 Braedan Kelley, Glenn Parker, and Jasmine Parker EMS 2-1 Megan Hayes and Brandon Williams EMS6 -2 Zak Odum and Grace Hunter EMS 51 - Bradley Jackson and. Anthony' Troublefield EMS: Supervisor Medic: 3 - Carrie. Sessoms  Mayor Starling expressed his gratitude for the first responders' bravery and heroism by stating "We are very proud ofyou, not only tonight but every single day and night".    RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSITION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY BY  GOVDEALS  Upon ai motion made by Councilmember Strickland, seconded by Councilmember Ruggles, it passed unanimously to approve the following resolution authorizing the  disposition of personal property by GovDeals sale:  RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSITION OF CERTAIN PERSONAL PROPERTY  BY THE METHOD KNOWN AS:  "GOVDEALS"  WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Clinton, NC desires to dispose ofcertain  surplus properties oft the City of Clinton.  NOW, THEREFORE, BE ITI RESOLVED by the City Council that:  (1) The following described property is hereby declared to be surplus to  the needs oft the City of Clinton:  One (1) 2008 Chevy Silverado Sanitation Estimated value $2,000  VIN# 2GCEK13C881262229  (2) The Financial Analyst is authorized to receive on behalf oft the City Council of the City of Clinton bids via GovDeals for the purchase of the described  property.  (3) GovDeals willl begin the sale of the described property on or about August 16, 2024, and will continue the sale until the described property is sold. The terms of sale shalll be Pay Pal, credit card, or wire transfer. published in accordance with G.S.1 160A-266 (c). Financial Analyst and the sale consummated.  (4) The City Clerk will not cause a notice of the electronic public auction to be (5) Thel highest bid, ifit complies with the terms of sale, may be accepted by the    CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST BY MR. JUAN JUANCHI TO PURCHASE PARCEL NO. 12022225101 (parcel located to the left of216 Powell Street when facing the road. Mayor Starling stated this item would need to be researched further.  RESOLUTION -CLINTON LEAD SERVICE LINEINVENTORY AWARD FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, DIVISION OF WATER  INFRASTRUCTURE  Public Works Director Chris Medlin introduced this item by briefly explaining that it relates to a grant awarded by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. The funding from this grant would be used to inventory lead lines and develop a plan to replace them. The Mayor elaborated, by mentioning, that this initiative was a part of the COVID  Reliefbill to determine and removel lead from our lines.  Upon a motion made by Councilmember Strickland, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Becton, it passed unanimously to approve the following resolution accepting the Clinton Lead Service Line Inventory Award from the North Carolina Department of Environmental  Quality, Division ofWaterI Infrastructure:  RESOLUTION BY THE CLINTON CITY COUNCIL, RECIPIENT  City of Clinton  Lead Service Line. Inventory (DWI# SRF-D-LSL-0034)  WHEREAS, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) of 2021 and North Carolina General  Statute (NCGS) 159G have authorized the making of loans to aid eligible drinking-water system owners in financing the cost of inventorying and  replacing lead service lines; and  WHEREAS, the North Carolina Clean Water Revolving Loan and Grant Act of 1987 has  authorized the making ofloans and grants to aid eligible units of government in financing the cost of construction of wastewater treatment works, wastewater collection systems, and water supply systems, water conservation  projects; and  WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has offered a  Drinking Water State Revolving Fund - Lead Service Line Replacement (DWSRF-LSLR) loan for $446.720_to conduct a Lead Service Line Inventory,  hereafter referred to as the "Project";a and    WHEREAS, the City of Clinton intends to perform said Project in accordance with the NOW,THEREFORE, BEJ ITI RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLINTON: That the City of Clinton does hereby accept the DWSRF-LSLR Loan offer of $446,720 That the City ofClinton doesl hereby give assurance toi the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality that any Conditions or Assurances contained in the. Award Offer will be adhered to and has substantially complied or will substantially comply with all Federal, State, and locall laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances applicable to thej project and to Federal and State grants and loans pertaining toi it. That City Manager James Duncan, the Authorized Official, and successors SO titled, are hereby authorized and directed to furnish such information as the appropriate State agency may request in connection with this project, to make the assurances as contained above; and to execute such other documents as may be required by the  agreed scope ofwork.  Division ofWater Infrastructure.  AMENDMENT - CAPITAL PROIECT BUDGET ORDINANCE ADOPTED ON MAY7.2024. ASITRELATES TOTHE CLINTON LEAD SERVICE LINE INVENTORY AWARD  Public Works Director Chris Medlin stated that this amendment was a continuation ofthe abovementioned Clinton Lead Service Linel Inventory Award including al loan fee of  $8934.00.  Upon a motion made by Councilmember Strickland, seconded by Councilmember DuBose, it passed unanimously to approve the following amendment to the Capital Project  Budget Ordinance adopted on. May 7, 2024:  CITY OF CLINTON  LEAD SERVICE LINE INVENTORY PROJECT DRINKING WATER STATE REVOLVING FUNDI LOAN  PROJECT# # SRF-D-LSL-0034  AMENDMENT TO THE CAPITAL PROJECT BUDGET ORDINANCE  ADOPTED ON MAY7,2024 #2024.08.01    BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Clinton, North Carolina, that pursuant to section 13.2ofChapter1 159 oft the General Statutes ofl North Carolina, the following Capital Project Budget Section 1: The Project authorized is the City of Clinton Lead Service Line Inventory Project to be financed by Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Loan Lead Service Line funds (project number SRF-D-LSL-0034) awarded to the City of Clinton by the North Carolina Department of  Ordinance Amendment isl hereby approved and adopted:  Environmental Quality (DEQ) Division of Water Infrastructure (DWI).  Section 2: The officers oft this unit are hereby directed to proceed with the project within the terms of the board resolution, grant/loan documents, the rules and regulations of the Division of Water  Infrastructure (DWI,) and the budget contained herein.  Section 3: The following amounts are appropriated for the project revenues:  Account # 41-3050-0100 41-3050-0300 41-3050-0000  Account Title  Increase Decrease $268,032 $178,688  Total  DWSRF Grant (Principal Forgiveness) DWSRF Loan Proceeds (0% Interest)  Local Funds (2% DWI Loan Closing Fee) $ 8.934  TOTAL PROJECT REVENUES  $455,654 $0  $455,654  Section 4: The following amounts are appropriated for the project expenses:  Account # 41-8200-0400 41-8200-0800  Account Title  Increase Decrease  Total  Engineering and Administration Services $446,720 Local Funds (2% DWI Loan Closing Fee) $ 8.934  TOTAL PROJECT EXPENDITURES  $455,654  $0  $455,654  Section 5: The finance officer is hereby directed to maintain within the, Lead Service Line Inventory sufficient specific detailed accounting records to satisfy the requirements of the funding agency, Section 6: Funds may be advanced from the Water and Sewer Fund for the purpose of making payments as due. Reimbursement requests should be made to the State grantor agency in an orderly and timely manner. Compliance with all federal and state procurement regulations is Section 7: The finance officeri is directed toi report, on a quarterly basis, on the financial status ofe each project element in section 4 and on thet total grant revenues received or claimed.  the funding agreements, and state and federal regulations.  required.    Section 8: The Budget Officer is directed to include a detailed analysis of past and future costs and Section 9: Copies oft this Capital project ordinance shall be furnished to the Clerk, the Budget Officer, Section 10: This Capital Project Ordinance supersedes any previously dated and adopted project ordinance (Lead Service Line Grant Fund Project Ordinance adopted May 7,2024).  revenues on this capital project in every budget submission made to this board.  and the Finance Officer for direction in carrying out this project.  CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING CHANGE ORDER #2 FOR THE WWTP IPS RELOCATION PROIECT 1 G3I0250/-SBP-WARFA 0146 between The Cityof Clinton  and T.A. Loving Construction Company  Public Works Director Chris Medlin addressed the Council briefly on thisi item stating that this was simply an upgrade from the original design; mostly focusing on safety  features and odor control.  Upon a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Becton, seconded by Councilmember Ruggles, it passed unanimously to approve the Change Order #2 for the WWTP IPS Relocation Project 1 G370250.SRP-WARPA 0146 between the City of Clinton and T.A. RESOLUTION BY CLINTON CITY COUNCIL ACCEPTING 2023 APPROPRIATIONS ACT  Loving Construction Company. DIRECTED PROIECTS GRANT  Public Works Director Chris Medlin addressed Council regarding the details of this project grant. The funding was requested by Council from the State of North Carolina to be  used to assist and meet the needs oft the Wastewater Treatment Plant.  Upon a motion made by Councilmember Strickland, seconded by Councilmember Corbett, it passed unanimously to approve the following resolution accepting the 2023  Appropriations Act Directed Projects Grant:  RESOLUTION BY CLINTON CITY COUNCIL ACCEPTING 2023. APPROPRIATIONS ACT DIRECTED PROJECTS GRANT  WHEREAS, the City of Clinton has received a Directed Projects Grant from the 2023 Appropriations Act, Session Law 2023-134, administered through the Drinking Water    Reserve and Wastewater Reserve to assist eligible units of government with meeting their  water/wastewater infrastructure needs; and  WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has offered 2023 Appropriations Act funding for $4.850,000.00_t0 perform work detailed in the  submitted application;and the agreed scope ofwork.  WHEREAS, the City of Clinton intends toj perform the said projecti in accordance with NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF That the City of Clinton does hereby accept the 2023 Appropriations Act Directed That the City of Clinton does hereby assure the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality that any conditions or assurances contained in the Award Offer will  CLINTON:  Projects Grant offerof$4,85000000.  be administered.  That James P. Duncan, City Manager oft the City of Clinton, and successors SO titled, is hereby authorized and directed to furnish suchinformation as the appropriate State agency may request in connection with this Project; to make the assurances as contained above; and to execute such other documents as may be required by the Division of Water  Infrastructure.  Public Works Director Chris Medlin presented the Mayor and the City Council with a project update regarding the Wastewater Treatment Plant. He also mentioned street paving efforts are expected to begin at the end of this month or the beginning of September. Mr. Medlin concluded by stating any questions or concerns could be directed tol him at any time. RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF AN APPLICATION FOR THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE RURAL DOWNTOWN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT  GRANT  Planning Director Mary Rose discussed this item by expressing that this is an opportunity to receive funding from the Department of Commerce, in the amount of $300,000. The funding from this grant will be used to support ongoing revitalization efforts in Downtown Clinton. She requested the City Council adopt this resolution in support of  downtown economic development.    Upon a motion made by Councilmember Strickland, seconded by Councilmember Ruggles, it passed unanimously to approve the following resolution in support of an application for the North Carolina Department of Commerce Rural Downtown Economic  Development Grant:  CLINTON  City of Clinton Resolution In Support ofan  Application for North Carolina Department of Commerce Rural Downtown Economic Development Grant Phase IV Downtown Revitalization Project  WHEREAS, the City of Clinton's City Council has indicated its desire to assist in WHEREAS, the Clinton City Council supports the proposed Downtown Clinton Phase IV Revitalization Project, which will: result in a Lisbon and Graham Streets streetscape, a city market stage, and open spacei improvements; and WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to pursue a formal application for this Downtown Revitalization Project for $300,000 from the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Rural Downtown Economic Development Grants; and  development efforts within the City of Clinton; and  Meanwhile, the City Council commits to a 5% match for $15,000 using local NOW, THEREFORE, BEI IT RESOLVED by the City of Clinton's City Council that: The City of Clinton is authorized to submit ai formal application to the North Carolina Department of Commerce for a Rural Downtown Economic Development Grant to provide assistance tol benefit the City of Clinton Phase IV Downtown Revitalization Project. This Resolution shall take effectimmediately upon its adoption.  resources.  BUDGETORDINANCE/ AMENDMENT  Finance Director Kristin Stafford presented the Budget Amendment for the General Fund to Council. She stated the amendment is to appropriate funds for additional capital  for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.    Upon a motion made by Councilmember Strickland, seconded by Councilmember Ruggles, it passed unanimously to approve the following Budget Ordinance Amendment:  Budget Ordinance Amendment Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget  #2024.08.02  BEIT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Clinton, NC, that the following amendment be made to the Annual Budget Ordinance for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025, Section 1. To amend the General Fund, the expenditures are to be changed as follows:  is hereby amended as follows:  Account # 10-5100-3300 10-5300-7400 10-6600-7405  Account Title Departmental supplies Capital outlay Transfer to project  Increase $50,000 60,000 60,000  Decrease  Total  TOTAL EXPENDITURES  $170,000  $0  $170,000  Section 2. To amend the General Fund, the revenues are to be changed as follows:  Account # 10-3990-0000  Account Title Fund Balance  Increase $170,000 1 170,000  Decrease  Total  TOTAL REVENUES  $0  $170,000  Section 3. Copies of this budget amendment shall be furnished to the City Clerk, to the City  Manager, and Finance Director for their direction.  REPORTS  The monthly combined staff report was acknowledged.  STAFF REPORTS  There were no staff reports.    CITY MANAGER REPORTS  City Manager Duncan provided a recap ofaj previously approved, conditional-use, rezoning request on Sunset. Avenue. The property was tol be used as a tax office. The new business was projected tol bring increased traffictothearea;t therefore, ai request was made to install a median on Sunset Avenue, prohibiting left turns onto Sunset Avenue, to help  manage traffic flow.  The business has not yet opened and is currently being used for residential purposes. The City Manager expressed that the median is not being used fori its intended purposes and is causing disruptions to traffic. Based on: recent findings, the City Manager provided two options to resolve the issue, removing the signage enforcing the use ofleft-  hand turns or uninstalling the median itself.  The City Manager recommended removing the signage as it was the most effective option. Councilmember Corbett asked, "So you are saying removing the sign satisfies it". The City Manager responded by explaining how removing the signage would meet the  needs of the citizens and individuals traveling Sunset. Avenue.  Councilmember Ruggles asked if changes could be made toi the median's structure, such as trimming the edges or corners, or if there was an option to remove the median altogether. Public Works Director Medlin interjected by explaining that altering the median could be more costly and create other issues with vehicles traveling around the median. Mr. Medlin recommended no changes be made to the structure itself.  Mayor Starling asked Chief Anthony Davis for his recommendation. Chief Davis believes that removing the signage would help to rectify the issue. It would also remove  the obligation to enforce traffic violations in the area.  Councilmember Ruggles stated removing the signage would make it safer to travel in and out of the area in question. Councilmember Strickland questioned the reason for the original agreement to install the median. Mayor Starling clarified the initial terms of  the median's installment. affects the traffic ini the area.  The. Mayorecommended. a 90-day trial period to remove the signage to see howit Upon a motion made by Councilmember Ruggles, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Becton, it passed unanimously to remove the signage from Sunset Avenue at the point of  Forest Trail, prohibiting left-hand turns, for a trial period of90 days.    PUBLIC COMMENTS  No one appeared for public comments.  OTHER BUSINESS  There was no other business for discussion.  ADIOURNMENT  Upon a motion made by Councilmember Strickland, and seconded by  Councilmember Ruggles, itj passed unanimously to adjourn the meeting.  The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:30 PM.  5  *Katina C. Gondo, Administrative Specialist  Lew Starling, JE,N Mayor  Ebie Elaine  SAt  F. Hunt, City Clerk, MMC, NCCMC  *Please Note: The minutes for the August 6, 2024, City Council meeting were taken by  Katina C. Gondo. City Clerk Hunt proofread the minutes only.