Clinton NORTH CAROLINA lanuary7.2025-CTY COUNCIL MEETING The City Council oft the City of Clinton, North Carolina, met in a regular session at 7:001 PM on January 7, 2025, in the City Hall Auditorium. Mayor Starling presided. Councilmembers Ruggles, Corbett, Strickland, DuBose, and Mayor Pro Tem Becton were present. present. City Attorney. Joel Starling, Jr., ofThel Law Office ofw.) Joel Starling, Jr., PLLC, was Also present were City Manager James Duncan, HR Director Natalie Blue, Planning Director Mary Rose, Assistant! Police Chief. Adrian Mathews, Fire Chief Hagan Thornton, Parks and Recreation Director Garrett Bryant, Police ChiefAnthony Davis, and City Clerk Elaine F. Hunt. Street. Public Works Director Chris Medlin was absent, due to a wateri issue on Fayetteville Michael Hardison of The Sampson Independent was present. Sylvia Chestnutt of The Sampson Weekly was absent. Councilmember Daniel Ruggles, District 1, gave thei invocation. RECOGNITION = CHS DARK HORSES BOYS' SOCCER TEAM - 2024 STATE CHAMPIONS Mayor Starling revised the order of the agenda items and recognized the "CHS Dark Horses Boys' Soccer Team and Head Coach Brad Spell - 2024 State Champions," next. Mayor Starling congratulated the coaches, staff, and team. Councilmember Strickland stated how proud the City Council and residents of the City were oft the young men. He recognized all, particularly Brad Spell, Coach ofthe Year; Brandt Sumner, 2A State Championship MVP; and Ryan Freeman, who received the Sportsmanship Award for thel Eastern Region. Coach Brad Spell came forth, first thanking God because without Him, this championship would not have been possible. He stated that he has 26 years of coaching experience at Clinton High School and has the best coaching staffin the State. Coach Spell stated that the early mornings workouts were the best times ofhis life. He praised the fan support, stating how blessed he is. He recognized City Attorney Joel Starling as a former player at Clinton High School. He declared that he can not take any glory because all the glory and accolades should be given to the "ones sitting behind him." He thanked the Clinton City Council fori inviting the group to be recognized. Mayor Starling and Mayor Pro Tem Becton distributed City of Clinton's pins and colorful coins to the CHS Dark Horses' coaches and team. Pictures were taken and applause was heard throughout the room. CITY COUNCIL - OATHS Before administering the oaths of Finance Officer and Deputy Finance Officer, Mayor Starling asked City Manager Duncan toi introduce Mrs. Rhonda G. Sommer. City Manager Duncan stated that Mrs. Sommeris: a Certified Public. Accountant, licensed in both North Carolina and Virginia. He stated that previously, she worked with the Town ofs Selma and the Upper Coastal Plains Council of Governments in Wilson, NC. He mentioned that she holds al bachelor's degree in accounting from Christopher Newport University, and a master's degree in human resource management from Troy University. City Manager Duncan stated that Mrs. Sommer has completed the Municipal Administration course through the UNC: School of Government and the Senior Executive Institute program at the University ofv Virginia Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. Mayor Starling invited Mrs. Sommer to speak, and she said, "I am happy to be here." Mayor Starling administered the following oath tol Mrs. Rhonda G. Sommer and City She stated that shel has approximately 40 years ofe experience as a CPA. Manager Duncan, Finance Officer, and Deputy Finance Officer, respectively: NORTH CAROLINA SAMPSON COUNTY OATH OF OFFICE LRhonda Sommers, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that tlwill support and maintain the Constitution and laws of the United States, and the Constitution and laws of North Carolina not inconsistent therewith, and thatlwill faithfully discharge the duties of my office as Finance Officer for the City of Clinton, North Carolina to the best of my skill, knowledge, and ability, SO help me God. NORTH CAROLINA SAMPSON COUNTY OATH OF OFFICE I,James P. Duncan, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that Iwill support and maintain the Constitution and laws of the United States, and the Constitution and laws of North Carolina not inconsistent therewith, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of my office as Deputy Finance Officer for the City of Clinton, North Carolina to the best of my skill, knowledge and ability, SO help me God. CITY COUNCIL - APPROVALOF THE MINUTES Upon ai motion made by Councilmember Strickland, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Becton, the minutes of December. 3, 2024, regular city council meeting were approved unanimously. RECOGNITION - 2024 POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR Police ChiefAnthony Davis presented the recipient for the "2024 Police Officer ofthe Year--Detective Brianna Martinez. Chief Davis stated that Detective Martinez has been very productive in creating road safety and reducing accidents involving driving under the influence. Chief] Davis stated her presence helps the City exemplify a model of excellence. Chief Davis described! Detective Martinez as a shining example ofl law enforcement and stated thati it is an honor to recognize her. Detective Brianna Martinez was presented with aj plaque, and pictures were taken with Mayor Starling, Mayor Pro Tem Becton, and family. RECOGNITION - 2024 FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR Fire Chief Hagan Thornton presented the "2024 Firefighter of the Year," to the group. He stated that this individual has shown courage, unwavering safety practices, and can truly be called a hero. Chief Thornton said the community is a safer place because ofthe "2024 Firefighter oft the Year," Cody Brown. Firefighter Cody Brown was presented with aj plaque and pictures were taken. Mayor Starling stated that he and the Clinton City Council are very proud of these departments, Clinton Fire and Clinton Police Departments. CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING - CITIZENS' INPUT - SERVICE DISTRICT - TAX RATE I PROPOSED TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR THE CLINTON FIRE DEPARTMENT City Manager Duncan requested that the City Council call for a public hearing at the February 4, 2025, City Council meeting to receive citizens' input regarding a service district tax rate matter and aj proposed tentative budget for the Clinton Fire Department. He stated that this tax rate concerns the rural area and not the city limits. Mayor Starling confirmed that City Manager Duncan and staff are only asking permission to have a public hearing to receive citizens' input regarding a service district tax rate. Furthermore, he stated that the City is not adopting any tax because any such request isr required first to go before the Sampson County Board of Commissioners. City Manager Duncan acknowledged that no tax increase is being requested-only: a call for a hearing for citizens' input. Upon a motion made by Councilmember Strickland, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Becton, it passed unanimously for stafft to advertise for a public hearing to take place on February 4, 2025, to receive citizens' input regarding a service district taxi rate matter and a RESOLUTION- ANA ACCESSIBLE PARK GRANT - NCI PARKS & RECREATION TRUST proposed tentative budget for the Clinton Fire Department. FUND Parks and Recreation Director Bryant appeared before the City Council seeking support in applying for an accessible park grant administered through the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. He stated that if they are successful in obtaining the grant, services can be provided for individuals with special needs. Mr. Bryant stated that they are hoping to build splash pads at Newkirk Park, located on Ferrell Street. Furthermore, he said that an application is needed for the grant. Councilmember Ruggles expressed his excitement about the recreational parks and said Director Bryant is doing a fantastic job. He informed the group that there is no other playground in Sampson County with splash pads and concluded that the Committee is also looking at obtaining other grants. Director Bryant stated that an. AED will be located close to the Newkirk Park facility. He recognized several members of the Recreation Advisory Board - Alice Tann, Jason Aycock, Brooke Miller, and Neil Faircloth. Ms. Millerwasi invited to speak, and she did. Ms. Miller stated that the Committee would like to proceed with trying to obtain an AED splash pad park. She mentioned that they sought inclusion and equality for all. Ms. Miller shared that they want no child left behind, regardless of any disabilities. The Committee foresees all children playing and splashing together. She stated that this project will set an example for the future, showing that everyone in the City of Clinton matters. Ms. Brooke Miller asked for a long-term commitment from the Clinton City Council as it relates tol Newkirk Park. Mayor Starling asked Director Bryant about his thoughts on whether they might get Councilmember Corbett travels to Cumberland County with her young children to Mayor Starling stated that if the Committee is successful in obtaining the grant, the Upon a motion made by Councilmember DuBose, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem the grant. Mr. Bryant stated that he believes they will be successful. enjoy the splash pads, which she mentions are safe and enjoyable. City will "make this work." Becton, it passed unanimously to adopt the following resolution: RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF APPLYING FOR. AN ACCESSIBLE PARK GRANT FOR THE CLINTON PARKS. AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT WHEREAS, staff has sought to enhance the City of Clinton's parks by beautification with clean, safe neighborhoods and accessibility to benefit people living with disabilities within the City of Clinton; and WHEREAS, there is an. Accessible Parks Grant Program that provides $12.5 million ini matching grants for parks and recreation to assist with the needs ofthe city; and WHEREAS, this program is administered through the Division of Parks and Recreation and the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund; and WHEREAS, thei matching grants can be used for the construction of special facilities or the adaptation ofe existing facilities that meet the unique needs of people living with disabilities; and WHEREAS, the matching grants will also enable individuals to participate in recreational and sporting activities, regardless of their disabilities. WHEREAS, the City Council of Clinton desires to improve safety and accessibility in NOW, THEREFORE, BEI IT RESOLVED that the City Council oft the City of Clinton, North Carolina, fully supports the proposal set forth by the City of Clinton's stafft toj proceed with applying for an accessible park grant, with a maximum amount of $500,000 for each the parks to benefit people with disabilities. application. Matching the grant is required. BE ITFURTHER: RESOLVED THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the appropriate agency. VOTING DELEGATE - NCLM - 2025-2026 BIENNIUM LEGISLATIVE GOALS Upon a motion made by Councilmember Strickland, seconded by Councilmember Ruggles, it passed unanimously to appoint Mayor Pro Tem Becton as the voting delegate and Councilmember Ruggles as the alternate for the 2025-2026 Biennium Legislative goals development process to submit the CityofClinton'st ten (10) proposed advocacy goals. APPOINTMENTS/REAPPOINTMENTS - BOARD OF ADIUSTMENT Upon a motion made by Councilmember Strickland, seconded by Councilmember Ruggles, it passed unanimously to appoint Neil Faircloth to the Board of Adjustment, to represent District 2. The appointment to fill the ETJ position on the Board of Adjustment currently filled by Glenn Clark was continued until the February 4, 2025, City Council meeting. Planning Director Rose reiterated that this individual would need to live in thel ETJ, at least a one- Upon a motion made by Councilmember Ruggles, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Becton, it passed unanimously to reappoint Chuck Spell to the Board of Adjustment, to mile radius outside the city limits. represent as an ETJ member. APPOINTMENISIREAPPOINIMENIS - RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD Mayor Pro Tem Becton informed the group that his representative on the Recreation Advisory Board has been unable to attend the meetings. He stated that previously, the individual had been very faithful; however, his health has prevented him from coming. Mayor Starling instructed City Clerk Hunt toj put this item on thel February 4, 2025, City Council agenda. APPOINTMEMIS/REAPPOINTMENTS - CEMETERY ADVISORY BOARD Upon a motion made by Councilmember Ruggles, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Becton, it passed unanimously to reappoint Margie Hill and Mr. Timothy Butler to the Cemetery Advisory Board. These are three-year terms. REPORTS The monthly combined staff report was acknowledged. STAFF REPORTS There were no staff reports. CITY MANAGER REPORTS January 21, 2025, at 5:00. PM. City Manager Duncan stated that the CIP Workshop will take place on' Tuesday, City Manager Duncan asked the City Council to contact City Clerk Hunti ifh he/she desired tol have a district meeting during this year. PUBLICCOMMENTS any comments. OTHER BUSINESS During the time that public comments were acknowledged, no one came forth with There was no other business to discuss. CONTINUATION Before concluding the meeting, City Clerk reminded Mayor Starling about the revised agenda to include a closed session. Mayor Starling stated thata a closed session was not necessary. There was: no: further discussion, a motion was made by Councilmember Ruggles, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Becton to continue this meeting until Tuesday, January 21, 2025, CIP Workshop, at 5:00 PM. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:521 PM. City Clerk, MMC, NCCMC 1KE BAs 2