6707  The Smithfield Town Council met in regular session on Tuesday, September 3, 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 Sloan Stevens, District2 Dr. David Barbour, District4 John Dunn, At-Large  Councilmen Absent Marlon Lee, District1 Travis Scott, District3 Stephen Rabil, At-Large  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 & Rec Director Shannan Parrish, Town Clerk Stephen Wensman, Planning Director Administrative Staff Absent  Also Present CALL TO ORDER INVOCATION  Robert Spence, Jr., Town Attorney  Mayor Moore called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.  Thei invocation was given by Councilman Barbour followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  APPROVAL OF AGENDA:  Councilman Dunn made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Wood, to approve the  agenda with the following amendment: Unanimously: approved.  Add Closed Session Pursuant tol NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (5)&(6)  PRESENTATIONS:  1. Proclamation: Declaring September 17-23, 2024 as Constitution Weeki in the Town of  Smithfield  Mayor Moorer read thei following proclamation into ther record:  Proclamation Constitution Week September 17- - 23, 2024 Int the Town of Smithfield, North Carolina  Whereas, September 17, 2024 marks thet two hundred and thirty-seventh anniversary oft the drafting of the Constitution oft the United States ofA America by the Constitutional Convention; and Whereas, iti is fitting and proper to officially recognize this magnificent document and its memorable anniversary; and tot the patriotic celebrations which will commemorate the occasion; and Whereas, Public Law 915 guarantees the issuing of a Proclamation each year by the President oft the United States of America designating September 17h through 23rd as Constitution Week. NOW, THEREFORE, 1,M.A Andy! Moore, Mayor oft the Town of Smithfield dol hereby proclaim September 17tht through the 23rd, 2024t to be CONSTITUTIONI WEEK int the Town of Smithfield and ask our citizens tor reaffirm the ideals the framers of the Constitution had in 1787 by vigilantly protecting the freedoms guaranteed to us through this guardian of our liberties, remembering that lost rights may never be  regained.  PUBLIC HEARING: None CITIZEN'S COMMENTS: None CONSENT AGENDA:  Mayor Pro-Tem' Wood made a motion, seconded by Councilman Dunn, to approve the following items as  listed ont the ConsentA Agenda:    6708  1. Special Events: Fall Fridays on Front- - Approval was granted to allow Parks andl Recreation Department to hold concerts on the following Friday nights: September 13th, October 11th and November gth from 4:00 pm until 10:00 pm att thel Neuse River Amphitheater. Approval to close South Front Street was also 2. Special Event: Demo Ride Days - Approval was granted to Bulldog Harley-Davidson to hold events on September 6-7, 20241 from 11:00am until 3:00pm at1 1043 Outlet Center Drive. Af foodi truck was approved 3. Special Event: Bike Night - Approval was granted to Bulldog Harley-Davidson to hold an event on September 12, 2024 from 12:00pm until 5:00pm at 1043 Outlet Center Drive. Amplified sound and a Special Event: Bikini Competition & Sister Store Gathering - Approval was granted to Bulldog Harley- Davidson to hold an event on September 21, 20241 from 5:00pm until 8:00 pm at 1043 Outlet Center Special Event: Smithfield Selma High School Homecoming Parade- Approval was granted to Smithfield Selma High School to hold a parade on October 14, 2024 from 5:00pm until 6:00pm on a portion ofM. Durwood Stephenson Parkway. The closure of M. Durwood Stephenson Parkway was also approved  granted. fort this event.  food truck were also approved fort this event.  Drive. Amplified sound and af food truck were also approved for this event.  fort this event  6. Approval was granted to establish a Utility Account Write Off Policy 7. Approval was granted toe establish al Utility Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Policy  8. Approval to adopt Resolution No. 753 (14-2024) appointing Andrew' Wagner tot the Downtown Smithfield  Development Board of Directors  TOWN OF SMITHFIELD RESOLUTION NO. 753 (14-2024) Supporting an Appointment to thel Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation's Board of Directors  WHEREAS, The Smithfield' Town Council has received a request from the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation's Board of Directors to appoint a member toi its Board; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Article VII oft the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation's By- Laws, the Town Council must approve any appointments/ reappointments toi the Board of WHEREAS, the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation Board of Directors has WHEREAS, the Town Council is asked to consider this appointment and make a determination. NOWTHEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council does hereby approve the appointment ofA Andrew Wagner to the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation's Board of Directors.  Directors by Resolution; and  recommended the new appointment ofA Andrew Wagner; and  9. New Hire Report Recently Hired Police Officerl (4) Police Officer II Part -Time SRAC Staff Current Vacancies Asst. Aquatics Supervisor Equipment Operator  Department Police Police P&R-Aquatics Department P&R - Aquatics PU- Streets  BudgetLine  Rate ofPay  10.20-5100-510-0200 $26. 84/hr. ($60,014.24lyr.) 10.20-5100-510-0200 $28.1 18/hr. ($63,010.48lyr.) 1060-6220-5100-0220 $10.00/hr. 1060-6220.5100.0210 $12.00/hr. BudgetLine 10-60.6220-5700-0200 10.30.5600-5100.0200 10-80-5500-5100-0200 10-40.5800-5100.0200 30-71-7220-510-0200 31-72-7230-5100-0200 1020.5700-5700-0200  Part-Time SRAC Pool Staff (2) P&R - Aquatics  Facility Maintenance Specialist PW-Appearance Sanitation Equipment Operator PW-Sanitation  Human Resources Director General Government 10-10-4000-5700.0200  Police Officers (9)  Police  BUSINESS ITEMS:  1. Discussion concerning the establishment ofa Stormwater Utility  Town! Manager Michael Scott provided a detailed explanation oft the stormwater utility fee options, starting with a resolution passed two years ago to establish the utility as part ofah half-million-dolar state grant. He explained thatt the Town now needs to decide how to collect thet fees: either as part oft the utility bill oras an    6709  annual fee on the property tax roll. Staff recommended collecting the fee through the property tax, arguing that it would simplify the process and avoid adding to already high utility bills. Additionally, this approach ensured that property owners, not renters, would bear the responsibility for the fee. Property owners could The Town Manager also explained that collecting the fee as part of the tax bill would be easier to manage int the context ofap property tax revaluation, allowing for the possibility of offsetting the fee by adjusting the tax rate if needed. This approach would help maintain control over the fee collection process, whereas managingi itthrough utility billing couldk become more complicated, especially when dividing the costs among Councilman Stevens asked aboutt the possibility of offsetting the fee through the tax revaluation, which the Town Manager confirmed was feasible. He explainedi that, with the upcoming revaluation, the Council could adjustt taxr rates toe ensuret thatr residents wouldn'te experience a significantr neti increase int their total payments. Mayor Moore and Councilman Barbour also raised questions, including concerns about how the fee would ber managed for customers outside Town limits, and whether the Town could simply keep the tax rate the same without charging a stormwater fee. The Town Manager clarified that the utility fee would only apply to Town residents and emphasized the complexities ofr managing fees outside the property tax system. The Town! Manager clarified thatt the Towny was required to establish an Enterprise Fundi to collects stormwater utility fees as part of the agreement made when accepting the hal-milion-dollar state grant. This commitment was made when the Council approved the resolution for the stormwater utility study. He emphasized that doing nothing is not an option due tot the Town's obligations under the grant. Stephen Wensman provided additional details ont thes study, explaining thatt the grant allowedi fort ther mapping of the Town's stormwater infrastructure, which was required for the stormwater program. Councilman Stevens asked whent the results oft the study would be available, to which Mr. Wensman repliedt that most of the mapping was completed, and they were in the final stages ofr reviewing data with the consultants. The study has identified thes stormwater infrastructure, butr not necessarily specific flood-prone areas. Councilman Barbouri inquired aboutv whether thei infrastructure mapping would consider heightl levels ofp pipes and other details, to which Mr. Wensman responded that the study measured the depth of pipes and that further assessment could follow. Councilman Barbour also questioned the per capita stormwater fees from other cities, andi ity was clarified that the fee would be applied per household in Smithfield, not per capita. The Town Manager confirmed that the recommended stormwater fee for Smithfield would be $6 per household per month, amounting to $72 annually. He also notedt that this fee would only apply to properties within the city limits, not to utility customers outside the limits. The council would decide whether to collect thei fee through the property tax bill or utility billing, with staff recommending the property tax option. Councilman Stevens confirmed that the $72 fee would be added to property taxes, and the county would collect it along with property taxes, likely charging a small administrative fee for the service. The Council discussedt thel logistics ofthis collection method, notingt thati itwould bes simpler for residents, especially those  pass the cost tot tenants ifthey chose.  multiplet tenants or properties.  This option wouldn't be available ifthef fee were addedt to utility bills.  with taxes paid through escrow.  Councilman Barbour made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Wood, to approve the stormwater utility fee to be addedt to the annual property tax billing. Unanimously approved.  Councilmembers Comments invited him tos speak.  Mayor Andy Moore: Welcomed Jeff Sullivan, a candidate for the Johnston County School Board, and Jeff Sullivan, ac candidate for the. Johnston County School Boardi in District7, introduced himself as a 32-year educator passionate about improving the county's school system. He stressed the importance of strong schools in attracting residents and supporting local businesses. Sullivan shared his personal values, emphasizing the lasting impact of education, and expressed his commitment to ensuring quality education Councilman Lee: Mentioned that hei invited. Jeff Sullivan tot the meeting, noting that the meeting had moved Councilman Barbour: Announced the upcoming Drone Flying Day on October 12th, featuring a drone race andt town-purchased drones for demonstrations. Hes shared plansf for the eventa andi mentioned that attendees Councilman Stevens: Reported on attending an economic development seminar organized by Chris Johnson. Hel highlighted the needf for the council tof focus more one economic development: and expressed an interesti ins sharing resources from the seminar with other council members for future discussions.  fors students.  quickly. He thanked the Council for giving Mr. Sullivan the opportunity to speak. could also enjoy Oktoberfest in downtown Smithfield afterward.  Town Manager's Report:  Town Manager Michael Scottp provided al brief update tot the Council ont the following items:  Moviei in the Park att the Amphitheater iss scheduled for September 6th, Friday. E.T will be showing    6710  The Fall Concert series will kick off on Friday, beginning September 13th, Other dates include October Saturday, October 5th att the Eval Ennis Park Pond, the Parks and Recreation Department willl holda" "Kids We have received notification that 9-11 memorial service held at SSS Highschool will be held again this  11th, and November 8th. Learn to Fish Day." year.  Manager Approved Budget Amendments Town of Smithfield Manager Approved Budget Amendments For they year ended. June 30, 2025 Account# 10-10.3400.3400.0003 10-10.3800.3800.0003 1020.3800.3800.0012 10-10.3900.3900.0770 10-00.3900.3900-00 31-72.3900.3900-00 31-7239003900.0770 10.30-5650-5300.3300 10.30.5650.5700-7400 10-40.5900-5100-0250 10-40.5900.5300-4501 10-60.5500-5125-0600 10-60.5500.5125.0610 10-10-4300-5300-3402 1010-4900-5300.3300 1010-4110.5300.0770 10-10-4110.5300.0771 10-10-4110-5300-5701 10.10-4110.5300-5702 31-72-7230.5300-1700 31-00.9990-5300.0000 31-72-7230.5300-4800  Account Description Special Use Fee FixedA Asset Disposal Parking Fees Insurance Recovery  Department Revenue General 200 Revenue General 34,375 Revenue General 250 Revenue General 17,425  Increase Decrease  Fund Balance Appropriated Revenue- General Fund Balance Appropriated Revenue- Electric  52,250 6,875  Insurance Recovery Supplies/Operations Capital Outlay Overtime Contract Services Groupl Insurance Retiree Supplemental ITSupplies- Planning Supplies/ Operations Insurance and Bonds Unemployment Compensation League of Municipalities Dues Central Pines COG (Triangle Non- J) Equip Maint and Repair Contingency NCEMPA- Non Demand Electric  Revenue Electric 6,875  Garage Garage Stormwater Stormwater General Services General Services 6,240  1,725  1,725 125  125 6,240  IT Planning Non- Departmental Non- Departmental Non- Departmental Departmental Electric Electric Electric  600  600  600 625 2,500 6,875  3,725  6,875 8,984,340    6711  31-72-7230.53004801 31-72-7230.53004802 Check: Revenues Expenditures Totals  NCEMPA-Demand NCEMPA-Debt  Electric Electric  7,828,164 1,156,176  59,125 59,125 9,003,630 9,003,630 9,062,755 9,062,755  Closed Session: Pursuant tol NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (5)&(6) aforementioned statutes. Unanimously approved ata approximately 7:37 pm.  Mayor Pro-Tem Woodi made a motion, seconded by Councilman Dunn, to goi into Closed Session pursuant to the Councilman Dunni madea a motion, seconded! by Mayor Pro-Tem Wood, tor reconvene the meetingi in Open Session. Councilman Dunn made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Wood, to adjourn the meeting until. The meeting  Reconvene in Open Session  Unanimously approved at approximately 7:53 pm  Adjourn  adjourned ata approximately 7:55.  M.Andy Moorg, Mayor #Rg  ATTEST:  E  osoifbd Shannan! L. Parrish, Town Clerk  RI