TOWN OF PLYMOUTH MEETING MINUTES  SEPTEMBER 9, 2024 - VIA COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND ZOOM  7:00 p.m.  CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Brian Roth  Mayor Roth called the meeting to order and welcomed all attendees. Mayor Roth then led the meeting with prayer and led the Pledge of Allegiance.  PRESENT ABSENT  COUNCILMEMBER  X X X X X X X  Mayor Roth Mayor Pro-Tempore Tharps Councilwoman Byers Councilwoman Davis Councilwoman Nixon Councilwoman Teel Councilman Wobbleton  NOTE: Attorney Arnita Dula attended via ZOOM.  II.  APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA  Mayor Roth asked if there were any additions or deletions for the Agenda. Councilwoman Teel stated that she would like to add discussion of the grant for Harbor Town and the $325,000.00 grant from Congressman Davis. Mayor Roth stated that both items should be put under Old Business Items C and D, respectively. Attorney Dula asked the Council to pull the lease agreement for the Town building as she would like more time to review it. It is located under Old Business Item B. Councilwoman Davis disagreed as did Councilwoman Teel. Councilwoman Nixon stated that she was thinking about holding a Special Meeting on Wednesday, because there are some things on the agenda concerning the budget that she does not understand and would like tol have al better understanding of each department and insolvent real estate properties as well as how that is calculated. It was decided to recess this meeting until Wednesday morning, September 11, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. to discuss the budget. A motion to approve the agenda as presented was made by Councilwoman Teel with a second by Councilwoman Nixon. The motion passed 5 - 1 with Councilwoman Byers  dissenting.  III. PRESENTATIONS TO THE COUNCIL - None  IV. PUBLIC COMMENT  The following persons spoke during the public comment period:  Septembers 9, 2024 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 1    Robert Holley Terri Pitt Yokonon Isreal DEPARTMENT REPORTS 1. Fire Department  V.  Town Clerk Wallace stated that she intended to highlight that report line item. She further reported that the Fire Department is only mandated to report in person to the Town once per year, per the Town's Ordinance; however, their  monthly reports will be included in the agenda packages. 2. Finance Report for the Period ending August 31, 2024  Finance Officer Wallace asked if there were any questions. She then pointed out to the Council that one of the Sanitation Line Items is shown as a negative number. She explained that when she discovered the number, it was corrected within the Department; however, Finance Officer Wallace stated that she did not update that page in the Agenda Packet and that there is not a negative number for that line item. It is actually a zero balance. Finance Officer Wallace stated that the way the number is shown in the report seems that more has been spent than budgeted for and that is noti the case. Finance Officer Wallace also explained the process of clearing up that line item and that it had to do with the purchase of a truck that the Council had previously approved. Councilwoman Nixon asked that from now on when funds are moved from one line item to another that the backup paperwork be included with the report.  3. Police Department  Chief Banks addressed some issues that came up specifically about an article int the Roanoke Beacon about hostility between the Plymouth Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff's office, as well as the shortage in Plymouth Police Department and the Town's pay scale for officers. Councilwoman Teel asked if Chief Banks is being paid as an officer as well as the Chief. Counciwoman Davis asked if this topic can be added toi the recessed meeting as this is an emergency situation. After an extensive discussion about how to compensate the officers for their extra hours took place as well as what to advertise for pay. Town Manager Floyd read an answer that she received from the UNC School of Government regarding the subject matter. A motion was made by Councilwoman Teel to amend the agenda to add law enforcement briefing on Wednesday as part of the recessed meeting before  Councilwoman Davis also asked Attorney Dula's opinion.  September 9, 20247 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 2    the budget review with a second by Counciwoman Byers. The motion passed  unanimously. 4. Code Enforcement: 30, 2024.  Code Enforcement Officer Brown presented the report for the month of June  Move Outs  There were two move outs. The homeowners were contacted, and the  homeowners took care of the situations.  Dilapidated Houses  There are several dilapidated properties that are in process of being  demolished. 208 Adam Street is almost complete.  Abandoned Vehicles removed.  Four notices were sent out and three of the vehicles have been  Grass and Weed Nuisance responses. House Nuisance  There were nine complaints issued with seven positive  Three notices were sent with three positive responses. Two are  still being worked on. Ordinance Complaints  There were four complaints with three positive responses. Two  are still being investigated.  Councilwoman Nixon asked if Mr. Brown handles Code Enforcement and Planning and Zoning. Code Enforcement Officer Brown stated yes, and Councilwoman Nixon stated that if he is working both positions then the budget needs to be adjusted. Councilwoman Teel asked about the usage for the car lot on East Main Street as it relates to Planning and Zoning and there was a short discussion about the conditions of the car lot being approved. Town Manager Floyd explained that the Town has a contract with the Albemarle Commission for Planning and Zoning  and explained what jobs the Albemarle Commission performs.  September 9, 2024 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page3    5. Town Projects/Public Works:  Public Works Director Wright reported that the Dog Park has been completed as well as the FEMA Generators project. One application was received for engineering services for the Viable Utility Grant and the Town is awaiting approval from the Local Government Commission (LGC); the Town is waiting on the rate study for the. AIA Sewer Grant; the Wooten Company is working on a CDBG grant; the application for the Streetscape grant was sent on August 22nd, the Town did not receive the PARTF grant and the reason was given that there was no public input. There was discussion amongst the Council regarding the reason for no public input and a plan to move forward without it. The Wastewater Treatment Plant Rehabilitation is in close out process, as is the bulkhead Pump out Station; the Town is still waiting on the trustee's approval for the Domtar Restrooms.  Street  Cleaning Public Works Yard - will present a list of surplus items  Buildings & Grounds Mowing Water - Repaired leaks at: 301 Gold Road 432 Hwy 64 East Sewer Cleared out blockages at: 519 Adams Street 204 Hampton Drive 101 Woodlawn Terrace  WWWTP N/A Pump Stations down: Hilly Circle (11) Jefferson Street (1) Began in-house trash service  West Main Street Washington Street (2)  Sanitation  6. Utility Billing  The information is included in the agenda packet.  7. Tax Collection  The information is included in the agenda packet.  8. Museums  A brief summary report is included in the agenda packet.  September: 9, 20241 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 4    VI. CONSENT AGENDA  The Consent Agenda included:  A. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE REAL ESTATE AND PERSONAL PROPERTY INSOLVENT REQUEST (421 BRINKLEY AVENUE) After answering questions from Councilwoman Nixon about the meaning of and a brief discussion about insolvency, it was decided to change the name of the form to Release Request as well as using Zaccheus Law Firmi fort tax collection, a motion was made by Councilwoman Teel to approve the request in the amount of $463-62 with a second by Councilwoman Nixon. The motion passed B. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE REAL ESTATE AND PERSONAL PROPERTY RELEASE REQUEST (301 OAKFORD AVENUE) A motion was made by Counciwoman Teel to approve the request in the amount of $240.84 with a second by Councilman Tharps. The motion passed C. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE REAL ESTATE AND PERSONAL PROPERTY RELEASE REQUEST (314 E. THIRD STREET) A motion was made by Counciwoman Teel to approve the request in the amount of $2,544.48 with a second by Councilman Wobbleton. The motion D.C CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE REAL ESTATE AND PERSONAL A motion was made by Counciwoman Teel to approve the request in the amount of $43.12 with a second by Councilman Tharps. The motion passed E.C CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE REAL ESTATE AND PERSONAL PROPERTY RELEASE REQUEST (306 OAKFORD AVENUE) A motion was made by Councilwoman Teel to approve the request in the amount of $541.00 with a second by Councilwoman Nixon. The motion passed F. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE REAL ESTATE AND PERSONAL  unanimously.  unanimously.  passed unanimously.  PROPERTY RELEASE REQUEST (206 FIFTH STREET)  unanimously.  unanimously.  PROPERTY RELEASE REQUEST (207 WILSON STREET)  September 9, 2024 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 5    A motion was made by Counciwoman Teel to approve the request in the amount of $48.90 with a second by Councilman Tharps. The motion passed G. CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE GRANT ORDINANCE NO. 2024-02 Finance Officer Wallace explained that the purpose of amending the ordinance is for the purchase of trash cans in the amount of $89,300.00. A motion was made by Councilman Wobbleton to approve Grant Ordinance No. 2024-02 with as second by Counciwoman Teel. The motion passed 5-1 1 with Counciwoman H. CONSIDERATON TO APPROVE BUDGET AMENDMENT NO 2024-13 Finance Officer Wallace explained that the budget needed to be amended to accommodate the approval of the ARP funds for the purchase of trash cans. Councilwoman Teel made a motion to approve Budget Amendment No 2024- 13 with a second by Councilman Tharps. The motion passed 5 - 1 with  unanimously.  AMENDING CSLRF (ARP) FUNDS  Nixon dissenting.  AMENDING CSLRF (ARP) FUNDS  Councilwoman Nixon dissenting.  VII. NEW BUSINESS  A. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2024-03 TO PROHIBIT THE Town Manager Floyd explained that at the last Council meeting, Council asked staff to present an ordinance that doesn't allow the feeding of wild animals. Town Manager Floyd researched the item and presented an ordinance that would add Chapter 91 Section 9106 into the Town's Ordinance Book - Feeding of Wild Animals Prohibited and it shall be Mayor Roth posed a question about bird feeders, which began a discussion about different types of wildlife on private property. Councilwoman Byers asked about penalties involved. Councilwoman Byers made a motion to table the item with a second by Councilman Wobbleton. The motion passed Councilwoman Teel made a motion to excuse Councilman Wobbleton for the remainder of the meeting with a second by Counciwoman Davis. The B. CONSIDERATION OF LEASE AGREEMENT WITH QUALITY OF LIFE  FEEDING OF BIRDS AND ANIMALS  effective upon adoption.  unanimously.  motion passed unanimously.  FOR ENC  September! 9, 2024 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 6    Town Manager Floyd recapped that at a previous meeting Mr. Wikins asked to enter into an agreement with the Town to lease the Allied Building for them to provide some services to the Town. Term limits were discussed. Attorney Dula explained how the term limits work and gave an opinion on how to set renewal terms. For the record, Councilwoman Davis "asked considering the change in the law, sO ifwe come back this hope that you know this new statue is is new to me with the ten. So, considering the change in the law with the ten since we're giving this non-profit ten. When the other ones get ready to come up for renewal, they'l! have to come back to the Town to ask for a lease all over again in November." Town Manager Mayor Roth stated that there was a recent meeting with the group and told them that he would try to find money to renovate the building; however, it would take two to three years to get the construction done. There was continued discussion about the building and Mayor Roth stated that no one is trying to exclude the lease in terms of funding. He pointed out two items that may be problematic. Mr. Wilkins explained how those points will not affect Town ordinances and how the group will operate regarding those During continued discussion, Counciwoman Davis stated fori the record "for the newspaper let's, sO we want to talk about the newspaper, and we want to talk about the building, let's be honest. The honesty of the matter is is the Town never cared about this building until these people applied for it. It's never been a discussion, it's never been touched, it's never been talked about until they applied for it. There have been several meetings and some that I have been privy to attend to and what is is even though even though he's saying a puff I the chest, yes, Ido have a puff in my chest because when we went in that meeting originally, you didn't even want to have a lease at all Mr. Roth stated. So, I'm just saying is it's not fair to these guys who are gang prevention, gang violence, parenting courses, substance abuse prevention. Mind you also for the record, let's say this, even though we're short officers, Ip personally went with them ify you look at our our report. Our report states that we had prior 14 shots in July. Now we had only four. So, I went personally with quality of life in the streets, and we did a truce between gangs. We did gang prevention already, sO I'm saying this to say that we're giving them, nit-picking through this lease and and give the lease, give them the lease. If you want funding as for it later. But I'm saying this we're here tonight to discuss this lease. If we want adjustments, or Mr. Wilkins wants adjustments, later on this lease, let's do it. But I'm saying tonight let's deal with it because we're going to prolong this thing and we're going to play a game with this thing until it dies. There is a need for it in the community. We do have gang violence. We did have 14 shootings. At last, and who stopped it? We didn'thave enough police officers to doi that. These  Floyd answered in the affirmative.  items including renovations.  September! 9, 20241 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 7    guys risked their life to do it, and I accompanied them. So, Ik know there's some truth in it. Nobody cared about this building truthfully until they asked Counciwoman Davis made a motion to approve the lease to approve the as printed for 10 years with a second by Councilwoman Teel. During discussion Counciwoman Byers asked about the Town being able to use the building if needed. Counciwoman Davis asked for the record "did you mirror off the DDA for this lease? You didn't ask them all these questions. Are you going to let us use this building? It's toi their discrepancy. You know what I'm saying? Iknow they have to work with you and the Town and come to Council for things, but I'm saying if you mirrored off the DDA's lease and you're saying that, you didn't ask them those same questions for Quality of Counciwoman Byers stated that she is not comfortable leasing this in the condition that the building is in because she doesn't know what the liability is. There continued to be an enthusiastic discussion about the subject. After ascertaining that there willl be no need for a public hearing, the starting and Mayor Roth asked that Counciwoman Davis and Councilwoman Teel back out oft their motion and second and make a new motion to approve the lease with the changes that were just discussed. Both motions were withdrawn. Counciwoman Davis made a motion to approve the lease to include the changes that were just discussed with a second by Counciwoman Teel.  fori it."  Life"  expiration dates were filled in for the lease.  The motion passed unanimously.  C.H HARBOR TOWN  Counciwoman Teel asked what the plans for the $2 million dollars for Harbor Town were as it has not been discussed recently. Mayor Roth asked Mr. Tom Harrison to come to the podium for an update. Town Manager Floyd reported about waiting for specks from A.R. Chesson for the Old Fire Department and the boardwalk. Councilwoman Teel voiced her concerns about placing bars along the boardwalk. Councilwoman Davis asked for a list of what the funds could be used for. Mr. Harrison stated that there is a document that can be provided to the council. Mayor Roth shared what he knew about what could be done which is a welcome center and a restroom on the side of the water. Councilwoman Davis stated for the record "that there is a board that is giving you a grant who's saying I'm giving you money but I'm recommending and pushing this is what you do with the money I'm  giving you, make it make sense."  September 9, 2024 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 8    D. CONGRESSMAN DON DAVIS - $325,000.00 AWARD FOR PUBLIC Town Manager Floyd reported that the Town is waiting on the Department of Justice to open the application process again. She further reported that the Town received the link for the grant; however, Finance Officer Wallace was out and the Finance Officer is the registered name on the SAM.gov account and Finance Officer Wallace has tol be the one that actually applies. Town Manager Floyd stated that the link should be opened up within the next couple of weeks and that we will not loose the funds unless the Town  SAFETY  writes a letter turning down the funds.  VIII. NEW BUSINESS  A. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR SIGNANGE FROM THE WASHINGTON COUNTY TRAVEL & TOURISM AUTHORITY Mr. Tom Harrison of the Washington County Travel & Tourism Authority was asked to step forward and explain his project. He stated that 2026 will be the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the state is asking all 100 counties to form a 250th Committee. He reported that a committee was formed in' Washington County, and they have met a couple of times. The State has provided some grants, one for $10,000.00 and one for $30,000.00 and it's due November 1st, but the Committee is recommending that there be a commemoration and activity in all three municipalities and there can be some education parts to this as well. The Committee is putting together a list and one of the things discussed is during 2026 the flags in downtown Plymouth be replaced with the Betsy Ross flags of the Revolutionary War era. Mr. Harrison stated that itwill not cost the Town any money and asked the Council if that were Counciwoman Davis stated that it is not about the cost, it's about the flag and what it represents to African American people historically and stated her disapproval as a motion with a second by Councilwoman Teel. The motion passed with 3 - 2 votes with Counciwoman Nixon and B. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR SIGNANGE FROM THE WASHINGTON COUNTY TRAVEL & TOURISM AUTHORITY Mr. Harrison reported that he was in Wilmington, and underneath the Welcome to Wilmington Sign it is written Home of the North Carolina Azalea Festival. Mr. Harrison stated that he thought it would be a good way to promote Plymouth. He asked that Home of the National Black Bear Festival be added to the Welcome to Plymouth sign. After a brief discussion, about  something they would allow.  Counciwoman Byers dissenting.  September 9, 2024 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page9    Mr. Harrison owning the brand for the Black Bear Paw, a motion was made by Councilwoman Byers to approve the sign project with a second by Councilwoman Nixon. The motion failed 3 - 2 with Councilwoman Davis,  Councilwoman Teel, and Councilman Tharps dissenting.  IX. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT  Town Manager Floyd reported that the auditors have in the office working on the Audit. She also reported that the Dog Park is up and running and the is scheduled Grand Opening for the Welcome Center in Town is scheduled for September 14, 2024. Town Manager Floyd also thanked the Sheriff's Department for assisting  the Plymouth Police Department. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT There was no report from Attorney Dula.  X.  XI. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL  Counciwoman Nixon reported that two signs have been put up on Hwy 45 for the Band of Angels. Counciwoman Davis asked that an ordinance be looked into for staggered longer terms for the Council. Town Manager Floyd stated that she can look into what needs to take place for the procedures to be put into place.  XII. CLOSED SESSION  Amotion was made by Counciwoman Teel to go into Closed Session under $143- 318.11(a)(1) to prevent the disclosure of information that is privileged or confidential pursuant to the law of this State or of the United States, or not considered a public record within the meaning of Chapter 132 of the General Statues; and, $143-31.11(a)(3) to consult with an attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the public body, which privilege is hereby acknowledged. With a second by Councilwoman Nixon. The motion passed unanimously.  XIII. ADJOURNMENT  With no further business, Counciwoman Teel made a motion to recess the meeting until Wednesday, September 11th at 9:30 a.m., to cover the law enforcement discussion and budget discussion with a second by Counciwoman  Nixon. The motion passed unanimously.  September 9, 2024 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page 10    Respectfully: submitted,  20 Brian A. Roth Mayor  wlDa Wallace Clerk  A  September. 9, 2024 Town of Plymouth Regular Town Meeting Minutes  Page. 11