6692  The Smithfield Town Council met in regular session on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council  Chambers oft the Smithfield" Town Hall, Mayor M. Andy Moore presided.  Councilmen Present: Roger Wood, Mayor Pro-Tem Marlon! Lee, District1 Sloan Stevens, District2 Travis Scott, District3 Dr. David Barbour, District4 John Dunn, At-Large (Departed 8:59 pm) Stephen Rabil, At-Large Also Present CALLTO ORDER INVOCATION  Councilmen Absent  Administrative Staff Present Michael Scott, Town! Manager Ted Credle, Public Utilities Director Jeremey Daughtry, Fire Chief Lawrence Davis, Public Works Director Andrew Harris, Finance Director Pete Hedrick, Chief of Police Gary Johnson, Parks & Recl Director Shannan Parrish, Town Clerk Stephen Wensman, Planning! Director Administrative Staff Absent  Robert Spence, Jr., Town Attorney  Mayor Moore calledt the meeting to order at7:00 pm  The invocation was given by Councilman Barbour followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  APPROVAL OF AGENDA:  Mayor Pro-Tem Wood made ar motion, seconded by Councilman Barbour, to approve the Move Consent Agenda Item 9: Bid Awardt to Starling & Hines Heating and Airi in the amount of$65,430.001 fort the replacement of six HVAC units to Business Item 6. Add Business Item 7: Update ont the Employee Pay and Classification Study  agenda amended asf follows:  Unanimously approved.  PRESENTATIONS:  1. Administering the Oath of Office to newly promoted Police Lieutenants Christopher Mayor Moore administered the Oath of Office tol Lt. Christopher Blinson and Lt. David Tyndall  Blinson & David Tyndall  2. Johnston County Water Sewer Regional Authority Update  Lee Worsley of Central Pines Regional Council of Government presented the Council with an update on the Water and Sewer Regionalization Study. He explained the focus oft tonight's presentation was the ongoing collaboration onv water and sewer services, av vital topic givent the rapid growthi int the area. Local governments were already collaborating, but were exploring the possibility of more formal agreements, or even the He stressed that no final decisions had been made and conversations about the future and options were ongoing. The options couldr range from continued cooperation through interlocal agreements tot the creation ofafully self-contained water and sewer authority. The goal over the next threey years was to explore what itwould take tof form a county-wide authority, ift that'st the direction the local governments decide to pursue. However, Smithfield and other municipalities willl have thei final say int these decisions. Immediate next steps include reaffirming commitments from local governments toe explore these options, forming technical advisory committees, and developing stakeholder engagement plans to ensure transparency and input from the Councilman Scott thanked Mr. Worsley for the presentation and highlighted Smithfield's strong position regarding waters services, as shown by recent data and reviews. He emphasized the importance ofe ensuring Smithfield gets a fair deal in any regionalization efforts and keeping costs reasonable for residents, particularly during growth and new development. He stressed thatr newi infrastructure should bet fundedi fairly, without burdening current customers. Councilman Scott also mentioned that while Smithfield has control overi its clean water, ithas less influence over wastewater but remains engaged in ongoing discussions. Councilman Stevens stressed the importance of Smithfield's involvement in regional water and sewer discussions bute expressed concerns abouty whether ity woulds savet thet town moneyi int the short and longt term, especially for citizens' rates. He urgedf for publici involvement: ands sharing meeting information online, noting thatk key decisions will ber madei ini the comingy years. Councilman Stevens alsol highlighted Smithfield's strong  formation ofar regional authority to manage water and sewer across Johnston County.  community.  water position but emphasized the need to carefully consider long-term impacts.    6693  Councilman Dunni informed the Council he needed to be excused ata approximately 8:30pm.  Councilman Barbour made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Wood, to excuse Councilman Dunn from meeting at approximately 8:30 pm. Unanimously approved.  PUBLIC HEARING:  1. Unified Development Ordinance Amendment - Multifamily in the B-3 Amendment (ZA-24- 02): Planning Staff are requesting an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance, Article 6, Section 6.6 Table of Uses and Activities to remove the multi-family land use from the B-3  Zoning District entirely  Mayor Pro-Tem Wood made a motion, seconded by Councilman Dunn, to open the  public hearing. Unanimously: approved.  Town Manager Michael Scott provided background on the request for the Council to consider amending the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to remove multi-family developments from the B3z zoning district. He clarified that the request was made under his direction to ensuret the discussion He further explained that this issue had been under consideration since April, following discussions on Smithfield's economic development strategic plan, which emphasized the need for land for business expansion and residential growth. He addressed concerns about how the public hearing was advertised, stating that the notice was properly handled according tos statutory requirements and followed the same procedure as previous UDO amendments. He emphasized that the intent was not to exclude multi-family housing in Smithfield but to give the Town Council more control over Planning Director Stephen) Wensman explained that multi-family developments were currently allowedi int the B-3z zoning districtu under a special use permit. However, the proposed ordinance amendment would remove multi-family as aj permitted use in B-3. Developers would need to rezone to a different district ifthey wish to Mr. Wensman noted that B3 was the largest and most expansive zoning district, often including intensive uses like car dealerships and warehouses, which may not be suitable next to residential areas. He emphasized" that the amendment would give the Town Council more control over future developments and alignz zoning with thet town's comprehensive plan. While existing multi-family propertiesi in B-3 would become legal non-conforming, the amendment would helpt the town better manage growth and maintain appropriate He pointed out that other towns handle multi-family zoning differently, and Smithfield was facing ani influx of multi-family development proposals. Staffs supported the ordinance as consistent with thet town's growth plan andi int the publici interest. Her notedt that the planning board recommended that the Council delay final action  happens publicly and transparently.  developments int the B-3 district. pursuer multi-family housing.  land use.  until it could present its recommendations.  Mayor Moore asked ift there were any questions from Council. There were none. Mayor Moore askedi if there was anyone in attendance that wished to speak ont the matter. Michael McLamb questionedi ift the text amendment was adopted, would multi-family be allowed in the B-3 zoning districtk by Special Use Permit. Mr. Wensman explained that a special use permit allowed multi-family developments under certain conditions, with the developer required to follow all UDO regulations and supplementary standards. Approval of such permits was based on seven findings of fact, and the process was treated like a quasi-judicial hearing, meaning there can be no discussions between the developer, He notedt thati ifa project with a special use permit was not started within six months, the approval expired. In contrast, conditional: zoning offered more flexibility, allowing negotiation between the developer and the town to adjustr regulations ine exchangei for additional features like landscaping or lighting. Conditional: zoning approvals were valid fort twoy years, andi if no action was taken, the town can rezone the property. However, anys subsequent developer musti follow the originally approved site plan unless they pursue a rezoning. Markl Lane resident oft the ETJ area and chairman oft the planning board, addressed the council, apologizing forar misunderstanding: regarding a question about mailings. He clarified that the question was based ont the assumption ity was a zoning change, not at text amendment. He mentioned that during two planning board meetings, the focus had been solely on removing multi-family housing from B3, and they were unaware of thep possibility that it couldr remaini in B-3. He expressed frustration, noting that clearer communication from Stephen Wensman clarified that multi-family housing was being removed from the B-3 zoning district, but properties currently zoned B-3 have the option to rezone to a different district to allow for multi-family developments. He reiterated that thei intention was tor remove multi-family from the B3: zone. Olital Boone, president oft the. Johnston County Association of Realtors, opposed the amendment tor remove multi-family housing from the B-3: zoning district. She stressed that this change would worsen the housing crisis forr middle-income families ande essential workers byl limiting affordable housing options. Bowman urged the council to reconsider the amendment to promote inclusive and affordable housing for all community  council, ors staff outsidet the formal hearing.  the start would have savedt time and confusion.  members.    6694  Debbie. Johnson-Howard, a planning! boardr member and Smithfield resident, requestedt thati the council delay final action on the B3 zoning change until the planning board can present its recommendations. She cited concernsi from citizens, a desiref fori inputf from the. Johnston County Board of Realtors' housing needs study, and the lack ofi formal notification to B3 property owners about the potential change. Howard emphasized that those affected should bei informed in advance and asked the Town Manageri if statute 160D-602, which The Town Manager clarified that, according to David Owens from the School of Government, map amendments require individual mailings, but text amendments do not. Therefore, the mailing requirement Catherine Wynn informed the Council about a housing study being conducted by a nationally recognized agency, Bowen National Research, to assess Johnston County's housing needs. She mentioned that the data would be available by the end oft the month and requested that the council delay the B-3 amendment until the study's results can ber reviewed tob better understand the community's housing needs. Paul Embler shared al historical overview of Smithfield's challenges with attracting residential development, despite past incentive programs. Rising land costs in nearby areas have led developers to shift focus to Smithfield. He emphasized ther need for affordablel housing, including multi-family units, for essential workers like teachers, police, and firefighters. Embler also highlighted changing housing preferences, with younger generations seeking low-maintenance options. He urged the Council to consider the growing demand for affordable housing in Smithfield, driven by economic challenges and increasing population. Teresa Daughtry expressed concern aboutt the Council's direction, stating that Smithfield needs to embrace change and that developers dor not feel welcomed. Mayor Moore responded by affirming that the Council's duty was to acti int thel best interest oft the entire town, notj just one segment ori industry. Greg Evans sharedh his appreciationi fort the Council's work, noting his experience in cities with poor planning. He clarifiedt that he misunderstood the meeting's purpose, thinking multi-family housing) was being restricted, but realized the Town was aiming for more control over it. He encouraged the Council to review buffering requirements as part oft the zoning process to avoidf future issues with neighbors. Mayor Moore askedi ifthere were any additional comments or questions by the Council. Councilman Scotte expressed his concerns and confusion about the B-3 zoning amendment, agreeing with citizens that communication ont the matter could have been clearer. He noted that while he initially thought the amendment would remove multi-family housing from B-3, it appeared to add a layer of complexity by requiring rezoning. He emphasized the need for proactive planning rather than reactive decisions, suggesting the town focus on economic development and possibly hold a retreat to set clear goals and priorities. He also requested further discussion before making a final decision on the amendment, Mayor Moore pointed out that the agenda clearly stated that conditional rezoning was an alternative to Councilman Stevens noted that 70% oft the 3,914 housing units approved since 2019 were multi-family. He emphasized the importance of collaboration. Hei further stated the B-3: zoning district should be preserved Councilman Barbour highlighted the decline of West Smithfield's commercial area and stressed the needt to prioritize business development over residential usei in B-3: zones. He expressed his opposition tor rezoning Mayor Pro-Tem Wood shared that, like Councilman Barbour, he hears from residents in West Smithfield who remember wheni ity was at thriving area. He expressed concern aboutt the 72% multi-family development rate, stating iti felt unbalanced. He emphasized that residents primarily ask for more businesses, not multi- family housing, and urgedt the need to control B-3: zoning top preserve retail and commercial space. Councilman Scotts sought clarification ont the conditional: zoning process and howi it applied to B-3p properties. Her raised concerns abouth howf future developments would proceedi ifthez zoning changes, suggestingan need forf further discussions with the planning board to address these broader UDO issues. Mr. Wensman explained that B-3 properties seeking multi-family development would need to be rezoned to an R-8 district, which could be considered depending on the comprehensive plan's guidance. He emphasized that the process would vary based ont the property's location and specifics. Councilman Barbour made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Wood, to close the public hearing. Councilman Scott made ar motion to table a decision on this matter. Before a second could be made, Mayor Andy Moore thanked the attendees and planning board members for their contributions. He emphasized Smithfield's rapid residential growth, with approximately 4,000 new homes, and the need to protectl land: zoned for business alongr major highways to attracth businesses. He clarified thatr removing multi- family housing from B-3 zoning wouldn't eliminate it but would give the Council more control through conditional rezoning, allowing collaboration with developers. He stressed that multi-family housing was already permitted in other districts and that this amendment would not drive-up housing costs. He further  her referenced, applies tot text amendments. did not apply tot the B-31 text amendment.  highlighting thei importance of understanding the broader impacts onz zoning. special use permits, addressing confusion aboutt the process.  for businesses.  B-3 areas for multi-family housing, citing his constituents' desire for more businesses.  Unanimously approved.  Mayor Moore addressed thosei in attendance.    6695  addressed misconceptions, stating thatt this proposal wasn't rushed and was necessary top prevent business- zonedl landi from being consumed by residential developments. He also dispelled rumors about his personal motives, affirming thatt townhomes already exist near his home and that his support for the amendment was int the! besti interest of Smithfield's citizens. Moore concluded by reaffirming his commitment to doing what is Councilman Scottr noted that reviewing the comprehensive growth mapy with Councilman Stevens provided helpful insights. He emphasized the importance of considering infill areas for multi-family housing and highlighted the value of workshops for discussing such issues. He acknowledged thatt the conditional: zoning (CZ) process offeredi flexibility for the Council and stafft to evaluate projects case by case. He expressed that he hadn't fully understood how the amendment would play out before the meeting but foundt the discussion  rightf for the Town.  helpful.  Councilman Barbour made a motion, seconded by Councilman Stevens, to approve: zoning text amendment, ZA-24-02, amending Article 10, Section 6.6, finding the amendment consistent with the Town of Smithfield Comprehensive Growth Management Plan and other adopted plans, and that the amendment was reasonable andi int the publici interest. Councilman Barbour, Councilman Stevens, Mayor Pro-Tem Wood and Councilman Dunn votedi ini favor of the motion. Councilman Lee, Councilman Scott and Councilman Rabil voted against the motion. Motion carried four to  three.  CITIZEN'S COMMENTS:  Emma Gemmell provided the Council witha at timeline and questions aboutt the social district, emphasizing the need for transparency and public input. She expressed pride in the town's volunteers but raised concerns about citizens feeling unheard and discouraged from speaking out due to potential repercussions. She highlighted unanswered questions regarding the social district's costs, responsibilities, and legal liabilities. She urged the Council to reconsider the social district's approval Pam Lampe raised concerns about a lack of transparency during the July 16, 2024, Council meeting when the social district was passed. She referenced an editorial criticizing the decision to proceed without full council attendance, suggesting the outcome could have been different if all members were present. She urged the council to either reconsider the social district issue through a motion or halt approval ofa agenda itemi fiver regarding the social district's operation plan until all citizen questions were Councilman Barbour made ar motion, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Wood, to approve the following items  and called for greater transparency and communication with the public.  addressed. She emphasized the need for transparency and proper representation.  CONSENT AGENDA:  asl listed ont the ConsentAgenda:  1. Minutes  a. May 20, 2024- - Budget Session b. July 16, 2024- Regular Meeting  2. Special Event: Bulldog Backyard Kickback - Approval was granted to allow Bulldog Harley-Davidson to hold an event at 1043 Outlet Center Drive on August 24, 2024 from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm. Approval  was also grantedt to allow amplified sound, af food truck and merchandise for sale.  3. Approval was granted to adopta a Grant Project Ordinance 5. Approval was granted to adopt various budget amendments 6. Approval was granted to amend thel FY 2024-2025 Fee Schedule  4. Approval was granted to close outa a Grant Project Ordinance and a Capital Project Ordinance  7. Approval was granted to enter into an agreement with WhithersRavenel in the amount of $262,500 for Bid was awarded to! Daniels Inc. of Garner int the amount of$ $246,305.15 for the FY 2024-2025 Street  the Spring Branch Drainage Repairs Project Resurfacing Project. Bids received were asf follows:  Garris Grading & Paving. Legion Asphalt, Inc. Turner Asphalt LLC. Barnhill Contracting. Daniels Inc Garner. STV Wooten Corp.  $238,950.45 $260,632.66 $395,583.54 $460,516.57 $246,305.15 $340,606.54 Budget! Line 10.20-5100-5100-0200 $26.84/hr. ($60,014.24lyr.) 10-20-5100-5100-0200 $29.59/hr. ($66,163.24lyr.) 1060-6220-5100-0210 $10.00/hr. Budgetl Line 10-60-6220-5100-0200 10.30.5600-5700-0200  9. New Hire Report Recently Hired Police Officer (3) Master Police Officer (2) Current' Vacancies Asst. Aquatics Supervisor Equipment Operator  Department Police Police Department P&R - Aquatics PU-S Streets  Rate of Pay  Part-Time SRAC Pool Staff P&R -Aquatics    6696  Facility Maintenance Specialist PW-Appearance Sanitation Equipment Operator PW- Sanitation  10-60-5500-510-0200 30-71-7220-5100-0200 31-72-7230-5100-0200 10.20-5100-510-0200 10-40-5800-5100-0200  Human Resources Director General Government 10-10-4000.5700-0200  Police Officers  Police  BUSINESS ITEMS:  1. Rezoning Request- 400 Brightleaf (RZ-24-06): David Dupree of Market Street Investments is requesting ther rezoning of 3p parcels: a. 89-acre parcel (Johnston County Tax ID 15015033) in the O/I-Office Institutional Zoning District, a. 15-acre (Johnston County Tax ID 15016033) and. .14- acre parcel (Johnston County Tax ID 15016032) in the R-6-High Density Single, Two and Multi- family Zoning District toi the B-3-Highway Entranceway Business Zoning District. Stephen Wensman presented information on a B3-zoned property near Walgreens, which sits at the intersection of various: zoning districts andl land uses. The comprehensive plan had designated this area for medium-density residential, aiming top provide multi-family housing near essential services like hospitals. He notedt that the site had challenges, including a 50-foot setback, a 30-foot utility easement, and likely DOT restrictions ona access to Brightleaf Boulevard, with access potentially through' Walgreens or Hancock Street. He explained that the B-3: zoning allowed for a variety of commercial and office uses, although multi-family housing was removed as an option that evening. He recommended approval of the applicant's request, statingi ita aligned with the comprehensive growth plan and is compatible with surrounding land uses. Councilman Stevens questioned ifthe intentf for the property was tor remain commercial. The applicant, David Dupree, stated that they intended for the property to remain commercial and currently had a medical user interested in building a facility. He confirmed that their original intent for the property had always been  commercial since they acquiredi it.  Councilman Scott made a motion, seconded by Councilman Rabil, to approve zoning map amendment, RZ-24-06, finding ito consistent with thel Town of Smithfield Comprehensive Growth Management Plan as hereby amended and other adopted plans, and that the amendment is  reasonable andi int the public interest. Unanimously approved.  2. Consideration and request for approval to adopt Ordinance No.521-2024 amending the Town Code Section 5, Division 3 Commercial "Vacant" Building Maintenance and Planning Director Stephen Wensman explained that the Town adopted a vacant building registration ordinance in 2020 to address vacant properties. In 2022, revisions to ordinances 512 and 513 were made, but these updates unintentionally removed the vacant property registration portion. As a result, staff is requesting the council approve a new Section Five, Division Three, to reintroduce regulations for vacant property maintenance and appearance. The proposed ordinance also establishes an appeals process through the board ofa adjustments. Staff requested the council's approval oft the amendment. Councilman Barbour: askedi if, once approved, the ordinance wouldi take effecti immediately and if properties woulds start beinga addedt tot thel listr righta away. Mr. Wensman confirmedi they would begin working oni it, noting that some properties have been out of compliance for a long time, despite claims of pending deals. Councilman Barbour emphasized that once the policy was in place, property owners wouldr needt to act, and the process would begin regardless of pending deals. Mr. Wensman also mentioned that a new full-time  Appearance Regulations to reestablish the vacant property registry  Mayor Moore askedi ift there were any question from the Council.  code enforcement officer will prioritize thesei issues.  Councilman Barbour made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Wood, to adopt Ordinance No. 521-2024 amending the Town Code Section 5, Division 3 Commercial Vacant" Building Maintenance and Appearance Regulations to reestablish the vacant property registry.  Unanimously approved.  3. Consideration and request for approval to adopt Resolution No. 752 (13-2024) accepting a funding package from NCDEQ for the establishment of a lead service line replacement Public Utilities Director Ted Credle requested that the council accept a $500,000 funding package from the NC Department of Environmental Quality and adopt Resolution 752. This funding would help the town comply with the EPA's revised lead and copper rule, which mandates the identification and eventual replacement of lead servicel lines. The funding includes a 60% grant, with the remaining $200,000: as a 0% interest loan, repayable over fivey years at $40,000 per year. Credle explained that while the EPA has seta a 10-year goal to eliminate lead service lines, the responsibility for replacing private service lines is still unresolved. Thei funding will cover fieldi investigations, public outreach, and database updates. Councilman Scott asked questions about older pipes, the extent oft the Town's responsibility, and potential costs to homeowners. Mr. Credle clarified that identifying lead lines was the first step, but further guidance Councilman Barbour questioned if only the grant was needed. Mr. Credle explained that the 60/40 split  program for the Town's water distribution system  fromt the EPA was needed on homeowner responsibilities.    6697  between grant and loan had tor remain.  Councilman Stevens made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Wood, to adopt Resolution No. 752 accepting the funding package from NCDEQ and to approve the contract amendment with WithersRavenel to develop an in-depth plan to replace all lead service lines in the Town  service area. Unanimously approved.  4. Consideration and request for approval ofa contract amendment with WithersRavenel to develop ani in-depth plan to replace all lead service lines int the Town service area 5. Consideration and request for approval to approve al Maintenance and Operations Plan for Town Manager Michael Scott presented the Downtown Smithfield Social District Management and Maintenance Plan, a requirement for obtaining a permit for the district. The plan, based ont templates from other communities, outlined responsibilities for security, sanitation, and signage. The Police Department would handle security, and the Town would provide sanitation, including adding trash cans where needed. The Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation (DSDC) would purchase and install signs indicating whether businesses allow alcohol. The Town Manager requested the Council approve the plan and signage Councilman Barbourr raisedo questions aboutt the wording oft the management plan, specifically how the Town ofSmithfield's rolei inr managing thes social district was defined. Hev wanted clarityt thatt the Town'si involvement was limited to security and sanitation. Town Manager Michael Scott agreed that the language could be adjusted to reflect this. Councilman Barbour also sought clarification on alcohol regulations for establishments in the social district. He further asked about trash receptacles at exit points, signage requirements, and disposal of unused alcohol, whicht the Town Manager confirmed would! be addressed with Councilman Scotte echoed concerns aboutt thel languagei int the management plan andr raisedi issues regarding signage, particularly for businesses or entities like churches that don't participate in the social district. He preferred signsi indicating participation rathert than non-participation. Mayor Moore and Town Manager Scott explained that while the signs were designed by DSDC, changes could be considered ifr necessary. Councilman Scotte expressed concerns aboutt the Town's liability in managing the social district, noting that ifthe town is labeled as the manager, it could be atr riski inl lawsuits. He clarified that he remains opposed to Councilman Barbour raised a question about the Town's role in the social district, noting that while the Downtown Development Corporation (DSDC) may manage it, the town is ultimately responsible since it applied for the district and passed the ordinance. He emphasized that the liability rests with the Town of Town Manager Michael Scott confirmed that the Town. had to apply to the ABC board and pass the Mayor Pro-Tem Woodr made a motion, seconded by Councilman Stevens, to approve the Maintenance and Operations planf fort the Social District. Mayor Pro-Tem Wood, Councilman Stevens and Councilman Rabil votedi ini favor oft the motion. Councilman Lee, Councilman Scott and Councilman Barbour voted againstt the motion. Witht the vote atat tie, Mayor Moore cast the deciding vote inf favor oft the motion. The 6. Bid Award to Starling & Hines Heating and Air in the amount of $65,430.00 for the Mayor Andy Moore disclosed a connection with Mike Hines, part-owner of Starling and Hines Heating and Councilman Scotta askedi for clarification on the proposal, noting that whilet the staffr recommended awarding the contract at $65,430, al lower price of $59,500 was offered if all six units were replaced at once. He also asked abouta a competing bid from Heat Transfer Solutions, which was $57,7301 for all six units. Public Works Director Lawrence Davis explained that the higher initial price was due to uncertainty about replacing all units at once. He also stated that Heat Transfer Solutions, though lower in cost, had poor performance in the past. Town Manager Michael Scotts supported this, noting that Heat Transfer Solutions' work had been substandard and emphasized the need for a more experienced and reliable company like  Thisi item was approved with business item 3 by a vote oft the Town Council.  the Social District  top proceed with filing for the state permit.  Mayor Moore askedi ifthere were any question from the Council.  signage andi trash cans at all district exits.  the social district. Smithfield.  ordinance, while DSDC manages the district on behalf oft the Town.  motion passed four to three. replacement of six HVAC  Air, in an unrelated LLCI but clarified that this wouldn't affect the decision.  Starling and Hines.  Councilman Scott made a motion, seconded by Councilman Barbour, to award the bid to Starling & Hines Heating and Air att the reduced cost for replacing six HVAC units to  bei installed simultaneously. Unanimously approved.  7. Update on the Pay and Classification Study  Councilman Scottr raised the issue oft the staff pay increase and asked for an update on the ongoing pay  study.    6698  Town Manager Michael Scotte expressedi frustration with the delay, noting that hel has been meeting with the company handling the study multiple times a week. He seta a deadline fort the end oft the montht tor receive the necessary data and was expecting more. The process currently involves placing maximum salaries into a Councilman Scott also suggested considering a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for staff ift the pay study  market-based: spreadsheet.  continues tob be delayed, emphasizing thate employees deserve this.  Councilmembers Comments:  Councilman Stevens reminded everyone about National Night Out happening the next evening att the Community College from 5 to 8 PM, featuring free food and activities for kids and families. He encouraged council members toj join him. He also raised concerns about the impact off fiber optic work downtown, noting that al business's operations were significantly affected due to road closures for the installation. He suggested the possibility of requiring contractors to work atr nighti in business areas or adjusting their setupt tor minimize disruptions. Town Manager Michael Scott acknowledged" the concern Councilman Barbour Councilman Barbour addressed the council, referencing an email he had previously sent regarding the social districting process. He clarified that while nothing improper occurred, the controversy surrounding the issue highlighted the need for full transparency and participation inf future non-urgentr matters. He submitted the email fort the official record to ensure clarity. He also reminded the Council oft the Drone Fly In Event on October 12, 2024 at Gertrude B. Johnson Councilman Barbour also praised the town staff, including public works, fire, and police departments, for their outstanding work and noted that the community consistently offers positive feedback about Mayor Pro-Tem' Woods shared thata a resident had called after hert trash was missed during pickup. After contacting Town Hall, Sanitation staff promptly addressed the issue and returned the same day to collect the trash. The resident was very appreciative oft the quick response and asked Mayor Pro-Tem Mayor Moore Mayor Andy Moore expressed gratitude tot the Town staff for their exceptional customer service, particularly noting how sanitation crews proactively collected trash before the storm, impressing residents. He also thanked the Police, Fire, Parks and Rec, and utilities departments for their preparedness and efforts during the storm, emphasizing the professionalism of the staff. Mayor Moore provided an update on the goals he set when running for mayor. His first goal was to increase police department staffing, which he stated was progressing well. The second goal was to improve street paving efforts, and funding has been increased to address this. His third goal was to attract new business and industry to Smithfield, allowing residents to work where they live. He highlighted the recent passing oft the B-3 district amendment as as stepi int ther right direction. Mayor Moore addressed comments from the meeting that disturbed him, especially concerning developers' opinions. He emphasized that he receives positive feedback from developers, including a voicemaili from the Franklin Towns developer praising the town staff. He acknowledged the challenges ofp public criticism during the B3 discussions but remained committed to open communication. Finally, het thanked the council and staff for their ongoing efforts ins supporting the Town's progress.  and said they wouldi investigate it.  park.  town employees.  Wood top publicly thanks staff fort their efficient service.  Town Manager's Report:  Town Manager Michael Scott provided al brief update tot the Council ont the following items:  Town Manager Michael Scott commended the police department fort their hard work in ensuring that all Smithfield schools now have school resource officers, a significant achievement Her reminded everyone aboutt thel National Night Oute eventt ther next day, inviting allt to attend and Additionally, he mentioned" thatt the River Regatta, canceled due tot the storm, is rescheduled for  supported by the Council during the budget process.  enjoy the activities.  Saturday, August 24, contingent on river conditions.  Closed Session: Pursuant tol NCGS 143-318.11 (a)(5)  Councilman Rabil made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Wood, to go into Closed Session pursuant tot the aforementioned statute. Unanimously approved ata approximately 10:19 pm. Councilman Barbour made ar motion, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Wood, to reconvene the meeting in  Reconvene in Open Session  Open Session. Unanimously approved ata approximately 10:50 pm  No action was taken by the Council after the Closed Session.    6699  Adjourn  Councilman Barbour made a motion, seconded by Councilman Rabil, to adjourn the meeting. The  meeting adjourned ata approximately 10:51 pm.  OF SMITAA mEDE  R  L.  SGAbR Shannan Parrish, Town Clerk