City of Reidsville Minutes  Regular City Council Meeting Monday- February 13, 2023  DRAFT COPY-NOT APPROVED UNTIL March 13, 2023  The regularly scheduled meeting of the Reidsville City Council was held on Monday February 13, 2022 at  5:00pm. Members of Council and other city officials present were:  Carolyn Blackshear, Mayor Pro Tem Lindsay Bennett, Councilwoman Verdie Williams, Councilwoman Councilmembers Absent were: Curtis Colwell, Mayor-absent Donald Prestage, Counciman-absent Doug Williams, Counciiman-absent Other City officials present were: Duann Davis, City Attorney Nivea. Jackson, City Clerk Kelly McRae, Finance Clerk  The audience was welcomed by Carolyn Blackshear Mayor Pro Tem. Mrs. Blackshear explained to the meeting attendees that there was not a quorum present due to illnesses of the Mayor and two other council members. She asked to keep not only the Mayor and sick Councilmembers in your prayers, but all of our sick and shut-in citizensi in prayer. She explained that the council will move through the agenda fori informational purposes only, and that there will not be any motions raised. She stated that there has been a recent rise in Covid, flu, pneumonia, and other illnesses. At this time, Councilwoman Verdie Williams was called upon to offer a word of prayer with reference to missing Councilmembers, as well as Mayor-Tem Blackshear announced that the Fire Department will give its monthly report and also to explain a grant that they have been awarded. The Council was presented information on the grant. The grant is for a mobile cascade apparatus refill trailer. The apparatus will be pulled on the scene to assist refills at the fire scene. This grant award is for $147k. The grant works off of 5% matching funds sO the City would be responsible for providing $7,013 in matching funds upfront. Mr. Walt Rogers, Tattnall EMA Director, is informed the City they would have to let the grantor know whether or not the City was willing to match funds in the beginning. Mr. Rogers explained that this trailer will be used to assist our local County as well as other Counties on their fires. The funds can be requested when they are ready.The Fire  for the city. Next, the audience recited the Pledge of Allegiance in unison.    the company's increased cost to do business. Attorney Davis reiterated that Sullivan will not sign a contract that states he cannot ask for a rate increase. She reminded everyone that if the economy bounces back, Sullivan is willing to do a review of the cost and make an adjustment. Sullivan has stated that the City of Reidsville is one of the City'sholding out and refusing increase. Councilwoman V. Williams wants to know! how many times this willl happen. She asked last year "whati isg going to keep the company Next on the agenda is the water bills. Councilwoman Williams explains that because of technical equipment issues, there was 10 extra days on the water bills this month. She wants to enforce a promissory note for citizens. The promissory note was created and reviewed by Attorney Davis. Citizens enteri into a written agreement to pay their delinquent bills. Councilwoman Williams wants the Councili to vote on how to handle "Acts of God" water damage (broken pipes). Williams is saying that a standard Next Mayor Pro-Tem Blackshear discussed the restructuring of the Zoning Board. Each Council member has been asked to bring in at least two names to be voted on that we may appoint a zoning board. Next, were citizen comments. Vickie Nails is the registered speaker. Mrs. Nails is speaking on restructuring the zoning board. She says she doesn't understand that because the city is not currently using their zoning board. Mrs. Nails said she has never: seen al building permit application and has never: seen an approved permit in two year of being on the zoning board. V. Nails stated that people contact her constantly wanting to know what's going on and she says she has not been notified of any of the building that is going on in the City. Nails stated that she is disappointed and that is an understatement. Nails says that she cannot attest that any building permits have come before Council which is a total disregard to the Council. Nails attests that she refuses to align to with a Mayor and some Council members who do not wish to follow the charter and she is resigning her position. Nail has filed a written letter of resignation. Blackshear asked Mr. Devin Jarriel, building Inspector to chime in on Nail's comments. Mr. Jarriel stated hel has not issued a permit where zoning was in question. There were no zoning changes needed thus far since he has been inspector. Mr. Jarriel, in fact has an application that willl be filed soon to expand the Big Peach: storage but has not received it yet with the parcels to present to zoning. Jarriel stated that as soon as he receives something he would present it. Naili is stating that ifa any structure is being built, it has to go before the zoning board. "lt is notj just commercial to residential changes". Mrs. Blackshear mentioned that all ofthe current members oft the zoning board terms have expired and the board willl be restructured and retrained by GMA as well. Mrs. Kimberly Polous a citizen has mentioned that the Regional Commission has been having meetings and maybe the City can participate. Councilwomen, Blackshear, and Williams stated theyl havel beena attending alli the Stakeholder meetings but didi not the public meeting. The Attorney General workshop has been changed to March 31st sO the City Hall will not be closed on February 22nd. Mrs. Blackshear went over the special dates listed on the bottom of the agenda.  from doing this yearly".  should be established.  Councilwoman Verdie Williams offered a motion to adjourn at 5:41