11/20/24, 3:55PM  Regular Meetingo ofti the City Council  HITEV  1833  MINUTES  Regular Meeting of the City Council 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 12, 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, November 12, 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, Joshua Harris, Helen B Holden, and' Vickie Pait  None.  OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Darren Currie, City Manager; Heather Dowless, City Clerk; Carlton Williamson, City Attorney; Colburn Brown, Finance Director; Nathan Guyton, Wastewater Reclamation Facility Director; Douglas Ipock, Police Chief; Robert Lewis, Planning Director; Hal Lowder, Emergency Services Director; David Yergeau, Fire Chief; Joseph Williams, The News  Reporter CALL TO ORDER INVOCATION  2) 3) 4) 5)  Call to Order by Mayor Mann at 6:30 p.m.  Invocation provided by Dave Heller, Columbus Baptist Association.  PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Mann. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Vickie Pait SECONDED the motion. VOTE: 7-0 (Unanimous)  Helen BI Holden MOVED to approve the Adoption of the Agenda.  Yeas: 7 (Terry Mann, Kevin Williamson, Jimmy Clarida, Tim Collier,  Joshua Harris, Helen B Holden, Vickie Pait)  Nays: 0 Absent: 0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 22, 2024)  6)  6.1) Consideration for Approval - Minutes for City Council Meeting (October Vickie Pait MOVED to approve the Minutes for the Regular City Council  Meeting held on October 22, 2024. Helen B Holden SECONDED the motion. VOTE: 7-0 (Unanimous)  Yeas: 7 (Terry Mann, Kevin Williamson, Jimmy Clarida, Tim Collier, Joshua Harris, Helen B Holden, Vickie Pait)  Nays: 0 Absent: 0  7)  PUBLIC COMMENT  Aiswarya Murali, an attorney with the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, spoke during Public Comments. Ms. Murali stated she wanted to share the concerns of the Columbus County Chapter of the NAACP and the residents of    1120/24,3:55PM  RegularN Meetingo oft the City Council  West Whiteville regarding flooding and critical infrastructure. Council was given Jonathan Lanehart, Troop Leader with Boy Scout Troop 512 (Whiteville Presbyterian Church), spoke during Public Comments. Troop 512 was present at tonight's Council meeting, as these Scouts are working on their citizenship merit badge and learning about volunteerism and community service. This Troop was also at the Whiteville Fire Department last week. Mr. Lanehart stated Boy Scouts of America was chartered in 1910 and has seen 100 Million Scouts during that time. Boy Scout Troop 512 is celebrating its 25th  ac copy of al letter detailing these concerns.  anniversary. PRESENTATION  8)  8.1) Chief's Commendation. Award following recipients:  Chief Ipock presented the Chief's Commendation Awards to the Tammy Worthington, Food Lion #1606 Manager Cassie Dawson, RN, BSN, CBE-MC Donayre Cancer Care Center Lieutenant Thomas Riggins, Whiteville Police Department Chief Ipock recognized Tammy Worthington, Food Lion #1606 Manager, for her dedication and service to the community. Ms. Worthington was recognized for her assistance during Hurricane Matthew and Hurricane Florence, as well as her participation in National Night Out, Food Drives, Chief Ipock recognized Cassie Dawson, RN, BSN, CBE-MC Donayre Cancer Care Center, for helping to develop the Cancer 911 program. This program is a free educational program provided by Donayre Cancer Care Center for first responders. Under Ms. Dawson's direction, the Cancer 911 program also partners with the Whiteville Police Department annually to host the Wellness Health Fair. This is an event for the community and first responders. A round of applause was given Chief Ipock recognized Lieutenant Thomas Riggins, Whiteville Police Department, for his recent actions when responding to a report of a larceny at Food Lion. During his investigation, he determined the individual was stealing duct tape because he could not afford to buy supplies to care for his colostomy bag. Lt. Riggins went above and beyond to locate resources to help this individual. With the help of Ms. Dawson, they were able to get the necessary healthcare resources for this individual, as well as groceries. Ms. Dawson was also able to get the individual an appointment with a surgeon, who determined his colostomy could be reversed. Lt. Riggins was recognized for his desire to excel and his devotion to the community he serves. A round of Mayor Mann expressed his gratitude for partnerships in the community. 8.2) Law Enforcement General Certification Recognition: Officer Blake Chief Ipock recognized Blake Thompson, Whiteville Police Department, for obtaining his Law Enforcement General Certification. Chief Ipock noted this was a milestone in every Police Officer's life. A round of  etc. Around of applause was given by all present.  by all present.  applause was given by all present.  Thompson  applause was given by all present.  9)  PUBLIC HEARING  9.1) Public earng-P8ZH24.06-01-Rezoning258 Frink St. R-20toB-3 Mayor Mann opened the Public Hearing for Pa2#24060l-Rezoning. Robert Lewis, Planning Director, presented Council with information regarding this Public Hearing. Brooks Pierce Law Firm has submitted an application for the rezoning of approximately +0.65 acres from Residential (R-20) to Highway Serving Business (B-3). The subject property is located at 258 West Frink Street (PID#1452). The property isin the city limits and is owned by Rashmi & Vrujesh Bhagalia. The  258 Frink St. R-20to B-3.  httns lwhiteville aranicus  nhn?clin id=?78Rdoc  2/6    11/20/24, 3:55PM  Regular Meetingo ofti the City Council  Planning Board recommended approval of the rezoning at its regular scheduled July meeting. The public hearing was advertised in The News Reporter, adjacent property owners were notified, and the property has been posted regarding notification of the public hearing. Will Quick, attorney with the Brooks Pierce Law Firm, spoke before Council in support of the rezoning request. Representing Mr. Bhagalia, Mr. Quick presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding this rezoning request. He stated this request was consistent with the City's adopted land use plan. He stated he had spoken with those that attended the Planning Board meeting, as well as neighbors of the property in question. He stated he and his client listened and heard any concerns. Mr. Quick stated his client previously purchased a 0.77 acre property on Oliver Street in 2022 that was zoned commercial. This property was rezoned from single-family residential to commercial in 2017. The Frink Street property his client owns is 0.65 acres. When combined, these properties total 1.42 acres. It was noted that of the 19 parcels in this area, which total just over 13 acres, there are 9.66 acres that are already zoned B-3. Of this block, 85% is zoned B-3. Of the 19 parcels within 2 blocks, only 6 of these parcels are zoned R-20. Mr. Quick noted there were several businesses in close proximity to the property in Council Member Holden inquired about traffic associated with this rezoning request. It was stated Mr. Bhagalia wants to put a hotel on this property. With this type of business, peak times for in and out traffic would be between 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Mr. Quick stated the traffic pattern would be predictable. The property has sat vacant for almost five years now. If rezoned, the house would be cleared from the property. It was noted any potential hotel would be af franchise hotel, possibly of the Marriott, Hampton, or Best Western brands. Most of these are multi-year contracts of 10-20 years. A hotel on this site would be between 3-4 stories, with a small conference room and a small outdoor pool and seating. Mr. Quick noted this hotel could provide for out of town guests, as well as groups in town for sports Mayor Mann expressed concern about brands similar to Budget Inn, which tend to run down faster. Mr. Quick stated his client would court brands, such as Best Western. Ity was noted Best Western currently has Amanda Sasser, owner of Union Valley Farm and Vineyard located at 2641 Union Valley Road, spoke before Council in support of the rezoning request. She stated there was a great need for an upscale hotel in Whiteville. She stated her business sees 150 guests per event on average. Many of these guests are from out-of-town. Shanette Cunningham, 52 Leach Street, spoke before Council in support of the rezoning request. She stated when her brother came to town for their mother's funeral, he had to go to Myrtle Beach to find a suitable hotel. She noted her brother was fighting cancer, and there was no where for him to stay. She stated Whiteville needed an upscale Gail Edwards, 1007 James Street (her mother's house), spoke before Council against the rezoning request. She expressed concerns regarding safety, as this hotel would be behind her mother's backyard. She stated her mother's backyard would be in direct view of a hotel, which would mean no privacy. There would also be an issue with visible lighting from the hotel. She expressed concerns regarding the property Emory Worley, 115 Tucker Street, spoke before Council against the rezoning request. He noted there were three hotels/motels in town. He stated if this rezoning was approved, a new hotel would be in competition with the current ones. He expressed concerns regarding  question.  tournaments.  a whole new line.  hotel.  owner, noting he also owns the Holiday Motel.  traffic, minimum standards, and safety.  ntps/whitewlegraneusa comManutesvieweronorao id=278&doc -228722a7477811ehab4b.0506a85546  3/6    11/20/24, 3:55PM  Regular Meetingo ofthe City Council  Melissa Andrews, 103 West Frink Street, spoke before Council against the rezoning request. She stated she had spoken against this rezoning many times. She stated this property would not have direct access to 701, which would cause individuals to go down different streets in the neighborhood. She stated she purchased property in a residential neighborhood. She noted she had not talked to anyone in the area that supports this rezoning request. She stated she took a petition around the neighborhood and obtained two pages of signatures of individuals that are also noti in support. She stated she knew the area was growing, Amanda Hill, 206 Pine Street, spoke before Council against the rezoning request. She stated she had lived in the neighborhood for 14 1/2 years. She stated it was good neighborhood and she was concerns about this rezoning. She noted the property owner also owns the Holiday Motel. She stated the neighborhood near that location wants the motel closed down and she stated there were numerous issues with the individuals that stayed at that motel. She referenced Mr. Quick's comments regarding the hotel being used for those in town for sports tournaments. She stated there was no need for that, as there were no tournaments held here. She stated parents and teams played at Myrtle Beach or Wilmington. Ms. Hill stated there was no room for a hotel on this property and noted a hotel had no place in a residential neighborhood. She stated she did not want property values to depreciate and expressed concerns regarding safety for children and  buts she did not want al hotel in her neighborhood.  others int the neighborhood.  10) BUSINESS  10.1) 2025 City Council Meeting Dates  Council was presented with the 2025 City Council Meeting Dates. Kevin' Williamson MOVED to approve the City Council Meeting Dates for  2025.  Vickie Pait SECONDED the motion. VOTE: 7-0 (Unanimous)  Yeas: 7 (Terry Mann, Kevin Williamson, Jimmy Clarida, Tim Collier, Joshua Harris, Helen B Holden, Vickie Pait)  Nays: 0 Absent: 0  10.2) Discussion & Decision-P8ZH24-06.01-Rezoning258 Frink St. R-20to Council was presented with 22406OIReonI92ss Frink St. R-20 to B-3. Council Member Holden inquired about tournaments, as this issue was referenced during the Public Hearing. Darren Currie, City Manager, clarified that the City had hosted around 15 tournaments during the fiscal year. These tournaments have been very successful. Mayor Pro Tem Williamson stated Mr. Quick had explained the law regarding this rezoning request. Mayor Pro-Tem Williamson stated he felt the detriments of this rezoning outweighed the benefits. Kevin Williamson MOVED to deny PaZ24060lRezoning2ss Frink  B-3.  St. R-201 to B-3. VOTE: 6-1  Vickie Pait SECONDED the motion.  Yeas: 6 (Terry Mann, Kevin Williamson, Jimmy Clarida, Tim  Collier, Joshua Harris, Vickie Pait) Nays: 1 (Helen B Holden) Absent: 0 and Reasonableness. Joshua Harris SECONDED the motion. VOTE: 7-0 (Unanimous)  Kevin Williamson MOVED to deny the Statement of Plan Consistency  Yeas: 7 (Terry Mann, Kevin Williamson, Jimmy Clarida, Tim Collier, Joshua Harris, Helen B Holden, Vickie Pait)  Nays:0 Absent: 0  10.3) Clarification of ABC salary approval  Mr. Currie noted Council approved the ABC salary changes at the last Council Meeting. He stated it was determined that the salaries were  https/whiteville. .aranicus.  id=278&doc -228/22a7a778-1ehab4b.05056a859546  4/6    11/20/24,3 3:55PM  RegularN Meeting oft the City Council  reported as annual salaries, when in fact they are monthly salaries. The actual figures would be an increase from $130/Month for regular members to $150/Month, which would be an annual salary of $1,800. The Chairman's salary would increase from $180/Month to $200/Month, which would be an annual salary of $2,400. Given the increase, Mr. Currie stated he was bringing the item back to Council for approval. Vickie Pait MOVED to approve the ABC Salary Request. Jimmy Clarida SECONDED the motion. VOTE: 7-0 (Unanimous)  Yeas: 7 (Terry Mann, Kevin Williamson, Jimmy Clarida, Tim Collier, Joshua Harris, Helen B Holden, Vickie Pait)  Nays: 0 Absent: 0  11) COUNCIL COMMENTS  Mayor Pro Tem Williamson stated a new hotel was needed, but the property discussed tonight was not on 701. He stated there was not enough affordable Council Member Harris inquired about lights at the roundabouts. Ken Clark, North Carolina Department of Transportation, was present at tonight's meeting with the Boy Scouts. It was stated both NC DOT and the City of Whiteville are waiting on Duke Energy. Mr. Currie also noted the City owns the lights on the ramps. The wiring was interrupted for these lights during the NC DOT project. When these lights are reconnected, more poles may have to be installed. Council Member Pait inquired about the pedestrian traffic at the courthouse. It was noted there were better markings. Mr. Clark stated flashing signs had been ordered for this area. Council Member Holden asked about the light at Commerce Street. It was noted this light may be taken out and an all-way stop Mayor Mann stated he attended the recent Pecan Festival. He recognized Madison Ward, Economic Development Director, Emily Cross, Event and Rental Coordinator, and all staff that worked during this event. He noted their Mayor Mann stated the City received two emails regarding tonight's rezoning request. After the City's attorney, Carlton Williamson, researched this issue, it was determined that according to General Statute, any emailed or written comments must be submitted at least two days prior to the meeting to be  housing.  installed.  efforts were appreciated.  included. 12) REPORTS  12.1) Manager's Update for November 12, 2024 pre-bid meeting will be held this week.  Mr. Currie stated bids had been advertised for the remodel of the Provalus building. Bids are due to be opened on December 3, 2024. A Bid advertisements have gone out for the water and sewer extension project for the Airport Terminal. This project will be reimbursed by the County. RFQs have also gone out for the Phase 3 Sewer project for Lee This information has been advertised and placed on the City's website, The City will begin three more projects in the Spring of next year, including water and sewer, building remodel, and stormwater. Mr. Currie reminded everyone that City offices would be closed for the Mr. Currie recognized Chief Ipock at this time. Chief Ipock spoke before Council and announced that he. had submitted his retirement paperwork. He stated he had served 30+ years in law enforcement. He stated that February 28, 2025 would be his last day. Mr. Currie stated the City would now be looking for a new Police Chief. Chief Ipock stated a tremendous amount of work had been done within the  Street and Franklin Street. as well as various news outlet.  Thanksgiving Holiday.  htips/whitevlearanlcuscom,MinutesVlewer.php7eip id=278&doc 6-28/2a/417é/1ehab4b00056a89546  5/6    11/20/24, 3:55PM  Regular Meetingo oft the City Council  Whiteville Police Department and he thanked Council for their continued support. Mayor Mann noted the many community-related events WPD had held or been a part of and he wished Chief Ipock the best in his retirement. Mr. Currie stated the City would now advertise the position.  An well-rounded interview panel would be put together. Vickie Pait MOVED to approve the adjournment of tonight's meeting.  13) ADJOURNMENT  Helen BI Holden SECONDED the motion. VOTE: 7-0 (Unanimous)  Yeas: 7 (Terry Mann, Kevin Williamson, Jimmy Clarida, Tim Collier,  Joshua Harris, Helen BI Holden, Vickie Pait)  Nays: 0 Absent: 0  N.C.  Terryl L. Mann, MAYOR  b  Me.obdng Heather Dowless, CITY CLERK  htps-/whitevile.cranicuscomMinutesViewer.oho7clip id=278&doc -28/2/4176-1ehaelab4b0096a8546  6/6