6718 The Smithfield Town Council met in regular session on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers oft the Smithfield' Town Hall, Mayor M. Andy Moore presided. Councilmen Present: Marlon Lee, District1 Sloan Stevens, District2 Dr. David Barbour, District4 John Dunn, At-Large Stephen Rabil, At-Large Councilmen Absent Travis Scott, District3 Administrative Staff Present Ted Credle, Public Utilities Director Jeremey Daughtry, Fire Chief Lawrence Davis, Public Works Director Andrew Harris, Finance Director Pete Hedrick, ChiefofF Police Gary Johnson, Parks & RecDirector Shannan Parrish, HRI Director/Town Clerk Stephen Wensman, Planning! Director Administrative Staff Absent Roger Wood, Mayor Pro-Tem Michael Scott, Town Manager Also Present CALLTO ORDER INVOCATION Robert Spence, Jr., Town Attorney Mayor Moore calledt the meeting to order at7 7:00pm. The invocation was given by Councilman Barbour followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Councilman Barbour made a motion, seconded by Councilman Stevens, to approve the agenda as submitted. Unanimously approved. PRESENTATIONS: 1. Proclamation - Recognizing October 6-12, 2024 as Fire Prevention Week in the Town Mayor Moore read the following proclamation into the record and presented itt to Fire Chief Jeremey of Smithfield Daughtry. PROCLAMATION Recognizing October 6-12, 2024 As Fire Prevention Week Int the Town of Smithfield WHEREAS, the Town of Smithfield is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living WHEREAS, fire is as serious public safety concern both locally and nationally, and homes are the WHEREAS, the National Fire Protection. Association (NFPA) has designated the week of October 6th through 12th, 2024, as Fire Prevention Week with this year'st theme being, "Smoke alarms: Make them work foryou.TM," which aimst toe educate everyone aboutt the simple buti important actions they cant take WHEREAS, ac critical parto off fire safetyi is ensuringt thath homes are equipped withy working smoke alarms, WHEREAS, the dedicated members of the Smithfield Fire Department are committed to reducing the occurrence of home fires and related injuries through prevention and education efforts, and respond WHEREAS, residents are encouragedi tot take proactive steps such asi installing and maintaining smoke detectors, practicing fire drills, and understanding the dangers off fire to help reduce the risk off fires in WHEREAS, Fire Prevention Week provides an opportunity to recognize the importance off fire safety practices, and to honor the courageous work of our firefighters and first responders who protect our NOW, THEREFORE, 1,M. Andy! Moore, Mayor oft the Town of Smithfield, dol hereby proclaim the week of October 6th through 12th, 2024, as Fire Prevention Week in Smithfield, North Carolina. lurge all residents toa actively participate ini fire prevention activities at home, work, and school, and toh honor the dedicated service oft the brave firefighters and public safety personnel who work tirelessly to keep our ina and visiting our community; and locations where people are at greatest risk from fire; and tok keep themselves and those around thems safe from fire; and practicing escape plans, andi identifying potential fire hazards; and quickly and professionally to emergencies within our community; and their homes and businesses; and lives and property from fire and other hazards. community safe. 6719 2. Proclamation - Recognizing October 6-12, 2024 as Public Power Week in the Town of Mayor Moorer read thei following proclamation intot the record and presentedi itto Public Utilities Director Smithfield Ted Credle. PROCLAMATION Recognizing Public Power Week October 6-12, 2024 Int the Town of Smithfield WHEREAS, public poweri is a crucial component inc cities andi towns across North Carolina, contributing tot the overall health of communities by providing reliable electricity, excellent local service, and prompt WHEREAS, North Carolina's more than 70 public power cities and towns are among more than 2,000 WHEREAS, many of North Carolina's public power cities and towns have been electric providers for more than 100 years, assisting their communities through boom times as well as pandemics and WHEREAS, public power meets the electric needs of 49 million Americans, who make up almost 15 WHEREAS, North Carolina's public power utilities are valuable community assets that contribute tot the well-being oft the community and provide economic development opportunities; and WHEREAS, North Carolina's public power utilities are dependable institutions that provide excellent WHEREAS, the Town of Smithfield recognizes Public Power Week and commends the public power cities and towns across our state for their outstanding contributions to our communities. NOW, THEREFORE, I, M. Andy Moore, Mayor oft the Town of Smithfield, along with the Town Council, do! hereby proclaim October 6-12,2024: as Public Power) Weeki int the Town of Smithfield: and commends restoration; and across the country; and economic downturns; and percent ofe electricity consumers; and service and a commitment to community; and its observation to all citizens. 3. Proclamation - Recognizing November 1, 2024 as Family Literacy Day in the Town of Smithfield Mayor Moore read thet following proclamation into the record. PROCLAMATION Recognizing November 1,2024 As National Family Literacy Dayi int the Town of Smithfield WHEREAS, National Family Literacy Day, established byt the 103rd Congress in 1994, and now marking its 30th anniversary on November 1,2024, highlights thei importance ofr reading and learning fort the entiret family WHEREAS, this dayi is celebrated across America each year, and focuses on special activities and events that showcase the importance of family literacy programs that empower families and build a nation of WHEREAS, literacy programs across the United States will observe National Family Literacy Day by holding read-a-thons, book drives, workshops, and family activities ats schools, libraries, and community centers to WHEREAS, as many as one in six adults struggle with reading and writing, and by learning to read, individuals can gain self-respect and confidence and strive toward goals that otherwise would not be WHEREAS, the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution is a nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer women's service organization dedicatedi top promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and WHEREAS, education being one of the cornerstones of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, is committed toi increasing literacy by promoting ands supporting literacy programs. NOW, THEREFORE, ,M. Andy Moore, Mayor oft the Town of Smithfield, do hereby proclaim November 1, 2024 as! National Family Literacy Day to underscore thei importance ofl literacy, celebrate thej joy ofr reading, encourage residents top promote literacy by reading together as at family, andt to extend deep appreciation1 to ourl locall librarians, educators, andl literacys service providers fort theirt tireless efforts to strengthen thel literacy and emphasizes thei impactt that parents have ont their child 'sl learning; and readers; and encourage literacy; and achievable; and securing America' sfuturet through better education for children and adults; and of our children and our community. 6720 PUBLIC HEARING: None CITIZEN'S COMMENTS: Emma Gemmel of 207 Hancock Street voiced concerns aboutt the town council's lack oft transparency andi residente engagement in planning decisions. Shel highlighted issues with high-density developments, reduced housing standards, property rights, and increased traffic. Despite feeling dismissed, she and others continue attending meetings, urging the council toi improve communication and involve residents Maxine Hunter of915 East Streetr raised concerns about water issues affecting her property. She noted that while recent street repairs and pipe installations had kept water off the streets, water was now pooling in her yard and under her house. Hunter explained that she hadn't experienced these issues before recent nearby developments and questioned the cause oft the water accumulation. She askedi if the town could address this newi flooding concern. Town Manager Michael Scotti informed the Council Councilman Lee stated he had recently visited Ms. Hunter's property and observed what appeared to bea af former ditch ore easement behind her house. Hes suggested that the ditch might! have once provided drainage from a nearby church down towards the back of Furlong, but may have been covered or built over duet tor new developments. Hei indicated that determining the existence: and status oft the easement int the decision-making process. that staff was investigating the issue. could clarify the source oft the wateri issue. CONSENT AGENDA: the Consent Agenda: Councilman Dunn made ar motion, seconded by Councilman Stevens, to approve the following items as listed on 1. Special Event: Bike Night- - Approval was granted to allow Bulldog Harley Davidson tol hold an event at 1045 Outlet Center Drive on October 10, 20241 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Amplified sound and 2. Special Event: Full Throttle Bike Show- - Approval was granted to allow Bulldog Harley Davidson tol hold ane eventa at 1045 Outlet Center Drive on October 26, 2024f from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm. Amplified sound Human Resources Director General Government 10.20-5100-510-0200 $41.83/hr. ($87,006.40lyr.) food trucks were approved fort this event. and foodt trucks were approved for this event. 3. New Hire Report Recently Hired Department Budget Line 30-71-7220.5700-0290 31-72-7230-510-0200 10.20-5300-510-0210 10-60.6220-5700.0210 $12.00/hr. Rate of Pay Part-Time Firefighter (5) Fire Department Part-Time. Athletic Staff (2) Parks and Recreation 10-60.6200-5700.0210 $10.00/hr. Part- -Time SRAC Staff Current) Vacancies Asst. Aquatics Supervisor Equipment Operator Facility Maintenance Specialist Sanitation Equipment Operator Town Clerk Police Officers Water Plant Operator BUSINESS ITEMS: P&R- - Aquatics Department P&R- - Aquatics PU-S Streets PW- Appearance PW- Sanitation General Government Police PU-Water Plant BudgetLine 10-60-6220-5100.0200 10.30-5600-5100-0200 10-60-5500-5100-0200 10-40.5800-5100-0200 10-10-4000.5700-0200 30-71-7220-5100-0200 31-72-7230-5100-0200 1020.5100.5700-0200 30-71-7200-5100-0200 (8p positions) 1. Special Event: The Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation and Smithfield Parks and Recreation is requesting to move the annual tree lighting event to Friday, November 29, 2024.This also requires adoption of Ordinance No. 522-2024 for NCDOT Street Closures Heidie Gilmond, Director oft the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation (DSDC), proposed moving the annual Christmas tree lighting to Friday, November 29, the day after Thanksgiving, to expand the event into a two-day festival supporting local businesses. The event would feature activities starting at noon, including live performances, children's activities, and vendor booths on South Third Street. She highlighted the goal of aligning the tree lighting with "Black Friday" and' "Small Business Saturday" to attract holiday Council members discussed logistical and attendance concerns. Councilman Barbour raised the potential impact of the holiday weekend on attendance, noting that many families travel for Thanksgiving, while Councilman Stevens suggested the new timing might encourage some residents to stay local. Councilman Barbour also inquired about coordination with local schools, which have previously provided performers. Mrs. Gilmond confirmed outreach efforts with schools and churches to secure participants for the Friday shoppers to downtown: Smithfield. event. 6721 The council discussed the need for an annual approval of street closures for events associated with the lighting, including the Martin Luther King Jr. parade, with Town Manager Michael Scott clarifying that any Councilman Dunn made a motion, seconded by Councilman Stevens, to approve the request to hold the annual Smithfield Christmas Tree Lighting & Vendor Market on November 29 and 30 ,2024 and date changes due tov weather wouldr require additional council approval. adopt Ordinance No. 522. Unanimously approved. ORDINANCE No. 522-2024 PARADE AN ORDINANCE DECLARING ROAD CLOSURES FOR THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING, THE. ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE. AND THE ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. WHEREAS, the Town Council oft the Town of Smithfield acknowledges a long tradition ofp providing an annual Christmas Parade and annual Tree Lighting Ceremony for the pleasure ofi its citizens; and WHEREAS, the Town Council oft the Town of Smithfield acknowledges a new tradition ofp providing an WHEREAS, the Town Council oft the Town of Smithfield acknowledges its citizens realize a finmicial WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Smithfield acknowledges each event requires approximately two hours to install signing and traffic control to be provided by the Smithfield Police Department, and also requires approximately two hours for removing signs, traffic control and litter. WHEREAS, any ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed, and this ordinance shall bei in full force and effect as an ordinance oft the Town of Smithfield from the NOW1 THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the Town Council oft the Town of Smithfield pursuant tot the authority granted! by G.S. 20-1691 that they do hereby declare at temporary road closure during the days and times set forth below ont thei following described portion ofa State Highway System route: annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade for the pleasure ofi its citizens; and benefitf from holding these annual events; and date ofi its adoption byt the Town Council oft the Town of Smithfield. Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Date: Time: Date: Time: Date: Time: The Friday following Thanksgiving 6:00 pmt to 8:00 pm Route Description: North 3rd Street between Market Street and Bridge Street Market Street (US70) from 2nd Street to 4th Street. Second Thursday ofe every December 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm Third Saturday ofe every February 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Annual Christmas Parade Route Description: Market Street (US70) from South 6th Streett to South 2nd Street Route Description: Market Street (US70) from South 6th Street to South 2nd Street Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade 2. ZA-23-06 Town of Smithfield: Planning Staff is requesting an amendment to Unified Development Ordinances, Article 2, 10 and Appendix A. The amendment will update existing performance standards, clarify vague wording, and break up large blocks of text Planning Director Stephen) Wensman provided an update on Article 100 oft the Town's ordinances, addressing performance standards and engineering specifications. He summarized changes, including moving street design specifications from the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to the engineering manual and clarifying code references. Notable changes included revising landscaping and buffer standards, implementing a new permit process for forestry projects to ensure riparian buffer compliance, and Mr. Wensman highlighted the need to eliminate outdated sections, such as the unused Entry Corridor Overlay and Row House Overlay Districts, as they are no longer relevant or effective. He also introduced cluster mailbox standards, emphasizing placement on private property and adequate pedestrian access. Other proposed changes included updating lighting standards, adjusting off-street parking triggers, revising terminology per the Transportation Plan, and increasing the minimum lot size for septic lots to one acre, based onr recommendations from Environmental Health due to soil quality concerns. Mr. Wensman invited the council tor review the proposed updates and consider their impact on future development: standards. Councilman Barbour sought clarification on septic requirements, asking if. Johnson County had a minimum lots size requirement for septic installation. Mr. Wensman clarified thatt the Town required a minimum lots size of 20,000 square feet and noted that. Johnson County's soils presented challenges, likely due to proximity Mr. Wensman continued outlining proposed updates tot the UDO, including adding easement requirements fors stormwater andi trails, addressing fire code updates fort temporary turnarounds, andr revisingr requirements into subsections and update definitions. consolidating dumpster regulations. tot thel Neuse River. 6722 for private and PUD streets. He suggested an increase int the minimum lot size for septic lots from 20,000 square feet to one acre, based on feedback from Environmental Health. He also discussed clarifying setbacks for double-fronted lots and removing the council resolution requirement for accepting public Councilman Stevens askedf for clarification onl lighting requirements, specifically inr regardt tos site plans, which Mr. Wensman confirmed were no longer reviewed by the Planning Board or Town Council. Councilman Stevens alsoi inquired about double-fronted lots. Mr. Wensman explainedt that these apply primarily tos single- Councilman Barbour then raised questions regarding street lighting requirements for new subdivisions, which! Mr. Wensman explained were not currently mandated by the UDO, though anyl lighting installed would Councilman Barbour suggested that the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) include minimum lighting requirements for developments, asi it currently lacked clear specifications for spacing, type, and coverage of streetl lighting. He expressed concerns aboutr responsibility for lighting maintenance if Duke Energy or other entities modify or relocate poles, potentially creating dark areas int town, and questioned how non-conforming lighting would! be addressed post-development. He recommended setting standards forl lighting spacing and Councilman Stevens noted that Smithfield residents could request additional lighting through the town ifa nearby pole existed. Councilman Barbour highlighted challenges specific to residents serviced by Duke Mayor Moore asked for clarification on several points, including requirements for tree removal and lighting permits. Mr. Wensman responded that tree permits would apply only to large-scale logging or construction operations and nott to individual homeowners removing treesi int their yards. He also raised questions about the proposed one-acre minimum lot size for septic installations and requested further consultation with Environmental Health. Mr. Wensman clarified that residential landscaping! lighting wouldr not require permits, and he offered tof follow up on the lighting standards and septic lot size requirements based on additional Mayor Moore expressed concern about the town's minimum lot area requirement for septic systems, questioning if enough soil tests were conducted in Smithfield. He suggested that the Council hold off on Mayor Moore raised concerns aboutr restaurants potentially expanding their seating capacity after opening withouta additional parking, which could lead to parking issues. He requested further research on the matter toe ensure the parking requirements align with actual seating capacity, including outdoor seating. Councilman Stevens inquired aboutt the multifamily and restaurant parking standards, seeking clarification on where parking requirements might be unclear. He discussed potential issues related to parking adjustments int the downtown area, especially when space constraints might prevent adherence to parking Mr. Wensman explained the revised parking requirements, noting that parking would now bei tied to seating capacity rather than floor area. He addressed Mayor Moore's concerns, explaining that while new construction and significant renovations could enforce parking compliance, certain situations, like internal restaurant renovations, might not prompt a parking review. Mr. Wensman agreed to further research restaurant seating and parking alignment. Additionally, he clarified that parking requirements could be waived in the downtown area and acknowledged the need for additional research on septic requirements Councilman Barbour advocated for the UDO to include specific lighting standards, especially to ensure minimum! lighting coverage across developments. Hee expressed concern about ongoing lighting consistency Councilman Barbour made a motion, seconded by Councilman Rabil, to table discussion of this amendment until the November 12, 2024 Town Council meeting to ensure adequate time for additional Councilman Barbour announced thet fourth annual Drone Fly Inl Day on October 12,2024 from 11 a.m. to2 p.m. at Gertrude Johnson Park. Hei invited attendees to visit Oktoberfest in downtown Smithfield: afterward. Councilman Lee thanked" Towns staff fort their quick response to ane early-morning accident on! Martin Luther King Drive involving an intoxicated driver. The cleanup and immediate police action helped to manage a potentially dangerous situation. He also notedt that this was the firsty year without the Annie D. Jones Child enrichment fund, which previously helped cover activity costs for youth participation in Parks and Recreation. He expressed concern for ensuring that children needing financial assistance are still supported, even offering to help cover costs ifr necessary. Finally, Councilman Lee requested an update from the police chief on the status of body cameras for the department, highlighting the importance of Councilman Steven stated he would still like to see the Council allocate more funds towards the street resurfacing project. He raised concerns about potholes and road conditions, noting that it was a common complaint her received. He suggested reaching out to Amazon to explore technological solutions tor reroute dedications once at final plati is approved. family residences with streetsi inf front and back. have tor meett town standards. bulb typei in collaboration with lighting experts to ensure adequate visibility and safety. Energy, stating they often rely ont the town tol handle thesei issues. discussions with relevant experts. approving the ordinance change until they could obtain additional information. standards. and lighting standards. iflighting structures were modified orr removed: after development. input. Unanimously approved. Councilmembers Comments: readiness following a recent high-profile incidenti in a nearby town. 6723 trucks and alleviate traffic onl local roads, such as Second Street. Councilman Lee added thatf flooding undera and overpass often exacerbated truck traffici issues, with Amazon trucks diverting intor residential areas like Belmont. Hej proposed redirecting trucks onto. JCCI Roadt tor reduce congestion and protect neighborhood streets. He also commended town staff fort their quick response and Mayor Andy Moore expressed gratitude tot town staff fort their storm preparation efforts, including cleaning drains and preparing emergency services. He extended thoughts and prayers to those affected by recent storms and suggested offering townr resources. Mayor Moore also agreed with paving needs and proposed creating a comprehensive plan to address town-wide drainage issues, specifically clogged ditches and driveway culverts. He requested the town manager initiate plans for cleaning and repairing these areas, Town Manager Michael Scott reminded everyone that, in addition to the drone fly-in and Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 12, the Chris! Hagan Bandy would! bep performing att the amphitheater on Friday night, October 11. Regarding the body cameras, he explained that thet town was waiting ont thet federal government tor release grant funds. All required paperwork had been completed and accepted, and once approved, the police chief cleanup efforts after a recent accident. utlizing in-house or outsourced resources as needed. Town Manager's Report: would be ready top proceed with the purchase andi implementation ofb body cameras. Adjourn Councilman Barbour made a motion, seconded by Councilman Stevens, to adjourn the meeting until. The meeting adjourned ata approximately 8:24 pm. GFR CMIEEET M.Andy Moore, Mayor AE Saaolovak Shannan Parrish, Town Clerk