9/5/24,8:51AM  Regular Meetingo ofth the City Council  HITEL  1833  MINUTES  Regular Meeting of the City Council 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 27, 2024 317 S. Madison Street, Whiteville, NC, 28472  The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Whiteville was called to order on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 6:30 p.m., at 317 S. Madison Street, Whiteville, NC,  28472. 1)  ROLL CALL PRESENT: ABSENT:  Terry Mann, Kevin Williamson, Jimmy Clarida, Tim Collier,  Helen BI Holden, and' Vickie Pait  Joshua Harris  OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Darren Currie, City Manager; Heather Dowless, City Clerk; Carlton Williamson, City Attorney; Colburn Brown, Finance Director; Douglas Ipock, Police Chief; Robert Lewis, Planning Director; Hal Lowder, Emergency Services Director; Madison Ward, Economic Development Director;  David' Yergeau, Fire Chief CALLTO ORDER INVOCATION  2) 3) 4) 5)  Call to Order by Mayor Mann at 6:30 p.m. Invocation provided by Council Member Clarida. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Mann. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Vickie Pait SECONDED the motion. VOTE: 6-0 (Unanimous)  Helen BI Holden MOVED to approve the Adoption of the Agenda.  Yeas: 6 (Terry Mann, Kevin Williamson, Jimmy Clarida, Tim Collier,  Helen BI Holden, Vickie Pait) Absent: 1 (Joshua Harris) APPROVAL OF MINUTES on August 13, 2024 Council Meeting held on August 13, 2024. Jimmy Clarida SECONDED the motion. VOTE: 6-0 (Unanimous)  Nays: 0  6)  6.1) Consideration for Approval of Minutes for the City Council Meeting held Helen B Holden MOVED to approve the Minutes for the Regular City  Yeas: 6 (Terry Mann, Kevin Williamson, Jimmy Clarida, Tim  Collier, Helen B Holden, Vickie Pait) Absent: 1 (Joshua Harris)  Nays:0  7)  PUBLIC COMMENT  One individual spoke during Public Comments. Aaron Cutler, 893 Legion Drive, spoke to Council regarding Mollies Branch. He stated he was concerned about the debris in the ditch and he shared pictures with Council showing the area before Tropical Storm Debby. He stated some of this same debris was there now. He stated no one was accepting any fault. He noted the upcoming $5  Meshahewlegmuscm.Anuaveweatonar id=268&doc d-biai02a6at.1le9e671-05056a89546  1/4    9/5/24,8:51AM  Regular Meetingo oft the City Council  Million investment in the Mollies Branch area was great, but noted some of this was simple and easy maintenance. In regards to the upcoming project, Mr. Cutler stated individuals in the area just found out that two drives were going to be closed off at Pinewood. He stated this affects the residents that remain there. He stated many feel dismissed when they provide feedback. He stated the City was utilizing experts from miles away, and not local individuals. Mayor Mann thanked Mr. Cutler for his comments. Mayor Mann noted that Council does not usually respond to Public Comments. However, he wanted to clarify the Mollies Branch project. He stated the City consulted with experts who came to look at the Mollies Branch issue, and all involved came up with a plan that offered solutions. Mayor Mann apologized if everyone was not aware oft the details of the project, but the City cannot keep both of those roads open to complete this project. Mr. Cutler stated he was asking why these ditches were not maintained. Mayor Mann stated he apologized for any issue with these ditches, and he noted the City would go look at this area again. He noted the City could not work on some of the surrounding vegetation, as it was  on private property. PRESENTATION  8)  8.1) The Columbus County Beaver Bounty Program  John Deans presented Council with information regarding the Columbus County Beaver Bounty Program. Mr. Deans represented the Columbus County Beaver Board. Also present at tonight's meeting were Morgan Hayes, Director of Columbus County Soil and Water District, and Tyler Hodge, District Watershed Coordinator. Mr. Deans stated the Beaver Bounty Program was a service provided to landowners in Columbus County. The landowner would first contact the Soil and Water District and an inspection would be done of the site. Ifa beaver problem is noted, there is a list of trappers available for removal. The limit is 10 beavers, as thej job of this program is not to eradicate them. Mr. Deans noted beavers could be trapped and removed by hand. Equipment can be used to destroy the dam, or explosives could be used. Both trappers and blasters must be licensed. He again stressed that the intent was not to eradicate, but alleviate the beaver problem. Mr. Deans noted that swamps are full even before storms, and the work to remove dams, etc. Mr. Deans stated the Beaver Bounty program was a service that was eligible for everyone in Columbus County. Mayor Mann noted the City could not request this service for private property. Mr. Deans stated the City could only encourage landowners to use the service. It was noted the City has no obligation on private property, as it cannot spend public money on private property. This would be a misappropriation of funds. Morgan Hayes, Director of Columbus County Soil and Water District, spoke in regards to the Beaver Bounty Program. She stated the program has been fruitful. She stated debris removal was also done through the StRAP program. She noted this was an asset to all in Mayor Mann referenced the dam demolition that was done prior to Tropical Storm Debby, and asked how long it would take for beavers to rebuild this dam. Mr. Deans stated he would be surprised if this dam was not already built back by now. Mr. Deans stated beavers will come  has to be done every year.  The City would have no right to be on private property.  Columbus County.  back and this situation would be ar maintenance issue.  9)  BUSINESS  9.1) Vineland Station Board to present Proposed Project for Vineland  Station.  Les High, representing the Vineland Station Depot Board of Directors, presented Council with a request for an enhancement project pertaining to the East side of Vineland Station. Mr. High noted this area was previously an epicenter for grapes, and the Board was requesting to put up a grapevine to enhance the area. Council was shown pictures of similar structures. He noted there would be a brick wall put up at the back of the area to help prevent noise. He stated the project would cost between $10,000-$15,000. He noted there would be no cost to the  https:/whitevile.s gamuscomAinuevewspholdp.szsakouc. d-bla02a6atc1lelse/1-005055a89546  2/4    9/5/24,8:51AM  Regular Meeting ofthe City Council  City. When asked, he did state it would be the City's responsibility to maintain the area. There was discussion regarding the location and Council Member Holden noted the Depot needed to be painted first. Mr. High noted the Board raised money for capital projects, not maintenance projects. It was noted the upcoming fundraiser, Dancing with the Vineland Stars, would raise money for this painting; however, it willl likely not raise all the money required for this project. Mr. High stated it was Council's decision to accept or deny the presented proposal. He stated there would be no animosity if this proposal was not accepted. He stated it would have to be a Board decision to contribute to a maintenance project such as painting. Madison Ward, Economic Development Director, stated the last quote received for this painting and woodwork to remove rotten wood, was around $30,000. She stated she saw no problem with the Dancing with the Vineland Stars event raising $20,000. If the Depot Board was able to contribute to this amount, the painting project could be accomplished. Council Member Pait stated she would like to see drawings of what the proposed project would look like for the grapevine, brick wall, etc. She stated she liked the idea of the grapevine, but could not picture what this project would look like. Mr. High stated the Board could get an artist to sketch the project. This would allow Council to get an idea of what this Council Member Holden stated she thought the proposed project was great, but not at this moment. She stated the painting and structural projects should be addressed first. Council Member Holden made a motion to deny the request for the proposed project for Vineland As there was no other motion made, Mayor Mann asked that Mr. High return to Council with more information regarding the proposed project. Mr. High stated he would discuss the painting project with the Depot Mr. Currie presented Council with information regarding the City's reapplying for Water System Funding for Lee Street and Franklin Street. This would allow the City to re-apply for a water infrastructure project to replace the water line along Lee Street and Franklin Street ahead of the North Carolina Department of Transportation's plan to repair and pave these two streets. The City has already received funding for the sewer portion of this project. This will be the third time applying for the water portion of the project. The total project is for $4,735,350. This will most likely be in the form of a grant and loan. Mr. Currie stated the presented Resolution No. 2024-R-171 Phase I Water Kevin Williamson MOVED to approve the application for funding and Resolution No. 2024-R-171 Phase I Water Improvements.  details of the project.  would look like.  Station. The motion died for lack of a second.  Board as well.  9.2) Reapply for Water System Funding for Lee and Franklin Streets  Improvements would allow the City to reapply. Helen BI Holden SECONDED the motion. VOTE: 6-0 (Unanimous)  Yeas: 6 (Terry Mann, Kevin Williamson, Jimmy Clarida, Tim  Collier, Helen B Holden, Vickie Pait) Absent: 1 (Joshua Harris)  Nays:0  10) COUNCIL COMMENTS  Council Member Collier inquired about a previous program, as someone had asked him. He stated the individual had previously signed to have their house elevated. Hal Lowder, Emergency Services Director, stated these programs were not local programs. All applications are submitted to the State. In many cases, this paperwork is brought to City Hall, but the applications are submitted to the State for these programs. Robert Lewis, Planning Director, stated this may. have been a part of the hazard mitigation program. It was noted the individual should call North Carolina Emergency Management for more  information.  paMAeulesamuscmAinsevawwatonap id=268&doc debiato23e6ald-tiel967-05056A89546  3/4    9/5/24, 8:51AM  Regular Meeting ofthe City Council  Mayor Pro Tem Williamson referenced a previous report about the use of wells, and stated he was alarmed with the amount of usage by some locations. He asked if there was a flat rate for usage. Mr. Currie stated the City charges a $10 flat rate, then there is an additional charge per gallon. It was noted some Council Member Pait stated her office had encountered several recent bad cases. She stated she wanted to commend the Whiteville Police Department, specifically Lt. Andre Jackson and Major Billy Hinz. She stated their response  locations had a graduated weight and structure.  was appreciated. 11) REPORTS  11.1) Manager's Update for August 27, 2024  Mr. Currie provided Council with the Manager's Update:  1. Water System Application Council was presented with this information during tonight's meeting. It was noted the North Carolina Department of Transportation is planning on paving both Lee Street and Franklin Street in 2027. Staff wants to replace both water and sewer 2. Mollies Branch Project - There was a good response at the August 19, 2024 meeting for the Mollies Branch Update. This meeting was held 3. Canal Street Stormwater Project - The City is beginning to apply for 4. College Street Project - Staff has met with two property owners on the easements to assist College Street. The City will meet with the back property owner this week. Surveying is almost complete. Mr. Lowder referenced the StRAP program and stated there was a strong misconception regarding this program. This program has been a good opportunity for the City as well. The City was initially awarded around $273,000. There was a total of 53 bid packages that were sent out. The low bid received was around $84,000. Federal qualifications were met. All work has to be inspected. There is some remaining money to be spent by December 31,2024. The intent is to hit the same areas again this Fall. The StRAP program is a stream clean out program, which includes the removal of beaver dams. All removed materials must be banded together sO these materials will not return to Mr. Lowder also referenced the City's spraying for mosquitos. Spraying has to be done at night when bees are in the hive. There are specifics as to how, where, when, and what products can be used.  lines before this occurs. at the Dream Center.  permits and the design is starting.  these streams.  12) ADJOURNMENT  Vickie Pait MOVED to approve the adjournment of tonight's Council Meeting.  Helen BI Holden SECONDED the motion. VOTE: 6-0 (Unanimous)  Yeas: 6 (Terry Mann, Kevin Williamson, Jimmy Clarida, Tim Collier,  Helen B Holden, Vickie Pait) Absent: 1 (Joshua Harris)  Nays:0  IIITEV  Terry  Ro  ZathyvOla Heather Dowless, CITY CLERK  MusMedasamduscom.inuevewsalordp id=268&doc d-biai023adat.1lel9s7-05056a89546  4/4