November: 1, 2022 Meeting Minutes  HAMLET CITY COUNCIL MEETING COUNCIL CHAMBERS ROOM 201 MAIN STREET, HAMLET, NC28345 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2022 6:00PM MINUTES  Governing Body Present: Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Jesse McQueen Council Member Eddie Martin Council Member Maurice Stuart Council Member Abbie Covington Council Member Oscar Sellers  Bill Bayless  Staff Present: City Manager City Clerk  Matthew Christian Gail Strickland  Others Present:  1. Call to Order 2. Adoption of Agenda The vote was. 5-0. 3. Work Session  Mayor Bayless called the meeting to orderat 6:00 pm.  Council Member Covington motioned to adopt the Agenda. Council Member Stuart provided the second.  Comprehensive Plan  City Manager Matt Christian explained he was requesting Council'si input on the topics to discuss. He reported the Comprehensive Plan is required by law and the Cityi is currently out of compliance. Originally, he suggested a short-term plan to bring the City into compliance, but after the RFQ and discussions with eligible companies, it was determined the timeframe would be longer than expected. He: suggested moving forward and completing the entire plan at one time. The process will take 8-10 months requiring Planning Board meetings, public engagement, and Council's input at a cost of $70,0000.00- $80,000.00. Mr. Christian recommended using WithersRavenel and budgeting $40,000.00 this year and another $40,000.00 next fiscal year. Council and the Manager discussed the pros and cons of the current rezoning moratorium. It was consensus of Council to proceed withi the Comprehensive Plan with WithersRavel and ending the rezoning moratorium December 31, 2022 as  originally approved. ITServices  The City Manager explained he began researching replacing the City's phone system which led to needed upgrades in the network and servers. He reported the City currently spends $40,000.00 annually on landline phones and another $36,000.00 $40,000.001 to Zach Garneri for IT. Additional money is spent for hardware, bringing the total annual expenses to $90,000.00- $100,000.00. He provided information on expanding the City services with VC3's Modern Office Advantage Model at an annual cost of $130,000.00. After discussion, it was determined Council had unanswered questions.  1    November 1, 2022 Meeting Minutes  The City Manager will have ai representative from VC3 attend a Work Session to further explain the  services. Christmas Bonus Christian answered it did not.  Mayor Bayless inquired ift the City Budget included Christmas bonuses for the employees. Mr.  Council Member Stuart advised he had to leave the meeting at this time.  After discussing the number of current employees, Council Member McQueen provided the total cost would be approximately $20,000.00. The Manager added the amount would have to be taxed. It was consensus of Council to have the City Manager research the funds to provide al bonus for the employees. The Manager stated he would put ina al budget amendment ata a future meeting. The Manager reported the Cityl has approximately $1.41 million remaining in ARPA Funds. Fire Chief Trey Goodwin is researching a much-needed ladder truck. One has been located in Alabama for $450,000.00, but the Chief hopes to have other options before making ai final decision. Mr. Christian reminded Council they need to look at water meters and suggested spending the ARPA money on  ARPA Funds  large, capital purchases. 4. Motion to Adjourn The vote was 4-0.  At7:25 pm, Council Members Sellers and Martin provided the motion and second to adjourn the meeting.  Regpectfulysubmites, dhaflsiida Gail M. Strickland, City Clerk  HAML RoN SEAL ORTH  2