Salisbury, North Carolina January 21, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PRESENT: Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Sheffield, Presiding; Council Members Carlton Jackson, Jr., Harry McLaughlin and David Post; City Manager Jim Greene, Jr.; City Clerk Connie B. Snyder; and City Attorney J. Graham Corriher. ABSENT: None. Salisbury City Council met in Council Chambers in City Hall located at 217 South Main Street. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield at 6:14 p.m. A moment of silence was taken. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield led participants in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag. ADOPTION OFTHE AGENDA Thereupon, Councilmember Jackson made a motion to adopt the Agenda as presented. Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield and Councilmembers Jackson, McLaughlin and Post voted AYE. (4-0) PROCLAMATION HONORING MAYOR KAREN K. ALEXANDER Town of Spencer Mayor Jonathan Williams noted at the January 14, 2025 meeting of the Spencer Board of Alderman he presented a proclamation in honor of the life and legacy ofl Mayor Karen K. Alexander. Mayor Williams read the proclamation and presented it to Mr. Daniel Almazan, Mayor Alexander'sson. Mayor Williams was joined by Spencer Town Manager Peter Franzese. Salisbury City Council January 21, 2025 Page I Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield thanked Mayor Williams and Mr. Franzese for the proclamation, and she thanked Mr. Almazan for accepting it on behalf ofthe family. RECOGNITION OF CITY BUDGET STAFF Finance Director Wade Furches recognized Budget Manager Tracey Keyes for receiving her designation as a Certified Local Government Budget Officer. He added Ms. Keyes also received her designation as a Certified Local Government Purchasing Officer and is the first City employee to hold both designations. Ms. Keyes thanked Mr. Furches and the Finance department for their support. She also thanked City Manager Jim Greene and Council for trusting her with the City's budget process. Council congratulated Ms. Keyes on her achievements. Mr. Furches then recognized the Budget Team for receiving the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for the 331d consecutive year. He recognized Assistant Finance Director Mark Drye, Budget Manager Tracey Keyes, Senior Budget Analyst Kaley Sink, and Budget Analyst Shueyeng Vue for the receipt ofthisa award for their work on the FY2025 budget. Council congratulated the Finance Department and thanked them for all they do to manage the City's finances. City Manager. Jim Greene thanked the Finance staff for the great work they do for the City. INTRODUCTION - PARKS AND RECREATION ASSISTANT DIRECTOR RAKEEM BRAWLEY Parks and Recreation Director Keisha Coxe introduced Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Rakeem Brawley. She noted Mr. Brawley brings over a decade of experience to the City and previously served as a recreation supervisor for the Town of Mooresville. She stated throughout his career Mr. Brawley has demonstrated a passion for community engagement, recreational programming, and fostering youth academic success. She added Mr. Brawley's dedication and expertise willl help elevate the quality yofservices and programs offered by the Parks and Recreation Department. Mr. Brawley thanked Council fori its support, and he added he is excited tol be working with the City's Parks and Recreation Department. Council welcomed Mr. Brawley to the City. INTRODUCTION-TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR JARED MATHIS Transportation Director Wendy Brindle introduced Transportation Director Jared Mathis. She stated Mr. Mathis spent the last seven years working with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)where he advanced rapidly and was a division 10 contract engineer. She Salisbury City Council January 21, 2025 Page 2 added Mr. Mathis is currently a resident of Granite Quarry and serves as the vice-chairman ofthe Town's Planning Board. Mr. Mathis thanked Council for its support and noted hei is grateful to be working with the City'sTransportation Department and staff. Council welcomed Mr. Mathis to the City. PROCLAMATIONS Council to proclaim the following observances: NATIONAL DAY OF RACIAL HEALING CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK SCHOOL CHOICE WEEK January 21, 2025 January 26 - February 1, 2025 January 26 - February 1, 2025 CONSENT AGENDA (a) Minutes of. January 13,2025. Approve the Minutes of the regular meeting of January 7, 2025 and the special meeting (b) Voluntary Annexation - Reid Farm Road Receive a request for the voluntary annexation of 115.613 acres located on Reid Farm Road, Tax Map 401 Parcels 0020001 and 0020101 and adopt a Resolution instructing the City RESOLUTIONDIRECTINGTHE CITYCLERK TOINVESTIGATE: A PETITION RECEIVED UNDER G.S. 160A-58.1, FOR VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION OF TAX MAP 401 PARCELS (The above Resolution is recorded in full in Resolution Book No. 17 at Page No. 6, and is known Clerk to investigate the sufficiency of the request. 0020001 AND 0020101 LOCATED ON RIED FARM ROAD. as Resolution 2025-05.) (c) Contract - Labella Associates. P.C. Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with LaBella Associates, P.C. in an amount not to exceed $175,000 for engineering services associated with the Water Treatment Plant Master Plan. This item is included in the FY2024-2025 budget. Salisbury City Council January 21, 2025 Page 3 (d) Contract - CHA Consulting. Inc. Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with CHA Consulting, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $90,300 for smoke testing services related to ongoing efforts to reduce inflow and infiltration in the sanitary sewer collection system. This item is included in the FY2024-2025 budget. (e) Contract - CHA Consulting. Inc. Authorize the City Manager to execute: a contract with CHA Consulting, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $89,200 for temporary flown monitoring services related to ongoing efforts toi reduce inflow and infiltration in the sanitary sewer collection system. This item is included in the FY2024-2025 budget. Thereupon, Councilmember Post made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda as presented. Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers Jackson, McLaughlin and Post voted AYE. (4-0) PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield opened the floor to receive public comment. Ms. Dottie Hoy expressed concern about the recent change in Administration and inquired There being no one else to address Council, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield closed the public about the City's support for immigrants in the community. comment session. NVIROMENTALGRANL - DUKE ENERGY FOUNDATION Fire ChiefBob Parnell explained the Fire Department applied for a grant through the Duke Energy Foundation. He noted the application was successful and the City was awarded $25,000 to be used for the purchase of four drones. He stated the drones will be used by the Police and Fire Departments in search and rescue and above-ground operations. He thanked the Duke Energy Foundation and Duke Energy Government and Community Relations Manager Joe Crapster for the generous donation. Mr. Crapster thanked Council for its ongoing partnership with Duke Energy, and he noted Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield expressed her appreciation for the grant funding, and she noted hei is pleased that the City is the recipient oft the grant funding. the drones will enhance public safety in the City. Salisbury City Council January 21,2025 Page 4 Thereupon, Councilmember Post made a motion to adopt to adopt a Budget Ordinance Amendment to the FY2024-2025 budget ofthe City of Salisbury, North Carolina in the amount of $25,000 to appropriate an environmental grant from the Duke Energy Foundation. Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers Jackson, McLaughlin and Post voted AYE. (4-0) ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2024-2025 BUDGET ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA TO APPROPRIATE AN ENVIROMMENTAL GRANT (The above Ordinance is recorded in full in Ordinance Book No. 33 at Page No. 3, and is known FROM THE DUKE ENERGY FOUNDATION. as Ordinance 2025-03) NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC: PLACE NOMINATION- - 16 PINETREE ROAD Planner Emily Vanek addressed Council regarding the endorsement ofthe John Erwin and Jean Anne Ferrier Ramsay House located at 16 Pine Tree Road to the National RegisterofHistoric Places. She stated inclusion on the National Register serves as a vital tool for recognizing and preserving the City's historic resources. She noted the home was built between 1951 and 1952 in the mid-century modern style designed by Architect John Ramsay. She displayed photographs of the home and a map of the current National Register listings in Salisbury. Ms. Vanek stated that the nomination for the John Erwin and Jean Anne Ferrier Ramsay House will be reviewed at the National Register Advisory Committee meeting on February 13, 2025. She noted as a certified local government, the Salisbury Historic Preservation Commission and City Council are required to receive public comment and provide a report to the State Historic Preservation Office. Ms. Vanek explained the Ramsay House is proposed to be designated under criteria C: for the embodiment of the distinctive characteristics of a type period or method of construction, that represents the work of a master, or that possesses high artistic value. She indicated the characteristics are represented in the home through its architecture and its association with John Ramsay. Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield convened aj public hearing after due notice to receive comments Ms.J Judy Kindle spoke ini favorofendorsing the. John Erwin and. Jean Anne Ferrier Ramsay There being no one else to address Council, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield closed the public regarding the proposed nomination. House to the National Register ofHistoric Places. hearing. Councilmember Post noted his support for the designation. Salisbury City Council January 21,2025 Page 5 Thereupon, Councilmember Post made a motion to endorse the nomination of the John Erwin and Anne Ferrier Ramsay House located at 16 Pine Tree Road to the National Register of Historic Places. Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers Jackson, McLaughlin and Post voted AYE. (4-0) UPDATE - BACTEROLOGICIAL TESTING SERVICES Salisbury-Rowan Utilities (SRU) Assistant Director Jim Amaral addressed Council regarding bacteriological testing services offered by SRU. He explained SRU's laboratory is state certified to perform bacteriological testing in drinking water for its water distribution system. He added SRU also performs bacteriological testing for private well water users that are not connected to the water system. He pointed our SRU has provided the service since 2008, but the cost to provide the service is exceeding revenue. Mr. Amaral stated the service is used by private well owners who are curious about well water quality, contractors testing on behalrofhomcowners, and home inspectors or buyers looking to meet mortgage lender requirements. He added public well water systems that use the service include businesses and churches and it requires monthly or quarterly bacteriological testing. Mr. Amaral noted after evaluating the process and efficiencies staff determined it is an atypical service. He added staff reached out to municipalities across the state and respondents indicated they do not provide the service due to unnecessary risk. He explained testing requirements differ for well systems. He indicated customers often ask about regulatory requirements and the City could be liable ifincorrect information is given. He pointed out ifa customer fails to provide accuratei information, it can delay the required same-day reporting risking the laboratory' s reputation and certification. Mr. Amaral added the service has created an additional work load for staff who must maintain records for the 74 regulated well water systems for five years. He pointed out customers can request testing from a commercial laboratory, and he noted there are nine laboratories within one hour of Salisbury. He stated Rowan County provides the service, and staff has notified the County ofi its plans to eliminate the testing. He noted SRU plans to terminate the service on July 1,2 2025, and all customers will be notified in advance. He added bacteriological testing will be removed from SRU'sservice fee schedule for FY2025-2026. Councilmember Post asked ifstaff has received feedback from people who use the service. Mr. Amaral noted one person has reached out. Councilmember McLaughlin asked ift the testing is provided for customers inside the City limits that have well water. SRU Utilities Director Jason Wilson stated there are sewer only customers throughout the system that use the service. City Manager Jim Greene thanked staff for evaluating the service which is not typically provided by local governments. Hej pointed out private companies provide the testing, and as SRU considers its limited resources and a growing system it must continue to provide quality core services. He indicated with Council's approval staff will discontinue the service. He pointed out customers will be notified oft the change and service alternatives. Salisbury City Council January 21,2025 Page 6 CONTRACT- BLACK AND VEATCH INTERNATIONAL COMPANY Salisbury-Rowan Utilities Director Jason Wilson addressed Council regarding a contract with Black and Veatch International Company in an amount not to exceed $1,189,000 for engineering services associated with the water treatment plant electrical improvements project. He referenced the Strategic Plan, and he pointed out the proposal supports Sustainable Infrastructure. Mr. Wilson stated the water treatment plant was constructed in 1949 with various projects completed over the years that expanded the treatment and pumping capacity. He added the water treatment plant has a rated capacity of 24 million gallons per day. He noted the original water plant consisted of one pump room that contained two high service pumps. He explained an expansion took place ini the 1990s to include a second pump: room with three pumps and space for an additional fourth pump. Mr. Wilson indicated in 2019 the Centrifuge Building was constructed to dewater residuals from the water plant. He added the electrical equipment in this building is rated at 480/277 volt and is fed from a separate utility feed than the rest of the water treatment plant. He commented the sludge control panel ini the Alum Sludge Building was also replaced as part oft the same project and is rated 480/277 volts and is fed from a third utility feed. He pointed out the Maintenance and Administrative Buildings are fed from separate 480 volt utility feeds. He commented five utility service feeders are connected to the site. Mr. Wilson stated most of the electrical equipment in the Operations Building was installed before or during the 1990s and is near the end of the useful life. He explained staff is having trouble finding replacement parts for the older system and intends to replace the 2.4kilovolt power distribution system with a new 480 volt of 4160 volt system to match current technology. He pointed out SRUintends to consolidate the five utility feeds at the site into a single utility feed. Mr. Wilson explained both 480 volt and 4160 volts were evaluated as possible solutions to upgrade the existing power distribution system equipment. He noted adding a pre-cast building to the water treatment plant to house new electrical equipment was considered, but a more cost- effective solution to reuse existing infrastructure was available. Henoted the water treatment plant includes an unused chlorine building that could be repurposed into a new electrical room that can hold 480 volt switchgear with additional room for auxiliary equipment. He stated the overall equipment and construction costs fora 4160 volt conversion are significantly higher than fora 480 volt conversion and it was recommended to proceed with upgrading the existing electrical system to 480 volts. Mr. Wilson noted facility improvements were developed during the preliminary engineering services phase of the project previously completed by Black and Veatch. He pointed out the scope of services for the proposed contract includes a detailed design, construction documents and bidding and award services. He pointed out Black and Veatch has been a partner ofSRU for many years andi is pre-qualified as an on-call engineering firm. Heindicated the project isi included in SRU's Capital Improvement Plan, and he asked Council to consider authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Black and Veatch International Company in amount not to exceed $1,189,000 for engineering services associated with the water treatment plant electrical Salisbury City Council January 21, 2025 Page 7 improvements project. Councilmember Jackson asked if Duke Energy has been contacted regarding the project. Councilmember McLaughlin asked if 480 volts would limit future City growth. Mr. Wilson explained staff projected for future growth and there will be room to increase pump motor sizes. Councimember/ackson pointed out growth projection is typically built into infrastructure design. Councilmember Post asked ift the contract is included in the budget. Mr. Wilson agreed. Thereupon, Councimember Jackson made a motion to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Black and Veatch International Company in an amount not to exceed $1,189,000 for engineering services associated with the water treatment plant electrical improvements project. Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers Jackson, McLaughlin: and Mr. Wilson stated Black and Veatch has reached out to Duke Energy. Post voted AYE. (4-0) CITY MANAGER'S REPORT (a) Update on Work at City Hall City Manager Jim Greene thanked Public Works Director Chris Tester and Public Works staff for their work during a recent snow event to keep the streets and sidewalks safe. He then asked Mr. Tester to provide an update on the work taking place at City Hall. Mr. Tester noted the repointing at City Hall is complete and the window restoration is approximately 95% complete. He stated the contractor has two windows left to scrape and six windows to paint, and he explained progress has slowed due to the recent cold weather. Hea added the masonry company will return in the spring to apply sealant to the limestone inset areas to prevent water intrusion. He commented during the summer the pressure washer contractor will clean the building to allow sufficient time for the masonry and the window components to cure. He stated the project should be completed during the summer months. (b) Fire Department Staffing Changes City Manager Jim Greene invited Fire Chief Bob Parnell to address Council regarding existing staffing needs and priorities for the City. He pointed out emergency management will be housed in Fire Station 3 which will create staffing needs. Chief Parnell noted the Fire Department is anticipating growth, and he explained two current positions within the Fire Department can be reclassified to better situate the Fire Department for the future. He referenced a vacant division chiefand a filled staff captain position, and he noted the plan is to change the rank ofb both positions to battalion chiefs to better align the positions with those of similar responsibilities. He added the vacant division chiefwould be then reclassified to a battalion chief and the staff captain would be elevated to a battalion chiefcreating al Battalion ChiefofE Emergency Management and Battalion ChiefofSafety and Training. Salisbury City Council January 21, 2025 Page 8 Mr. Greene thanked Chief Parnell for recognizing the need which is consistent with the City'sStrategic Plan focus on Public Safety. (c) Recognition - Fire Chief Bob Parnell City Manager Jim Green recognized Fire Chief Bob Parnell's 40 years of service to the City of Salisbury. He also recognized Rowan County Rescue Squad Chief Bobby Parnell who helped honor his dad's service to the City. Mr. Greene noted Chief Parnell joined the Salisbury Fire Department in 1984, and he thanked him for his dedication to the City and its citizens. He reviewed Chief Parnell's career with the City which he began in November 1984 as a firefighter, and he noted he was later promoted to engineer, captain, battalion chief and then fire chief from May 1 2004 until present. He reviewed the Fire Department's accomplishments under the leadership of Chief Parnell including the opening of Fire Stations 4, 5 and 6 and the expectation to open Fire Station 3 later this year, 200,000 calls for service and achieving an Insurance Services Office (ISO) 1 rating for the Fire Department. Mr. Greene and members of the Management Team congratulated Chief Parnell and thanked him for his service to the City. Council also shared its appreciation for Chief Parnell's tremendous career and dedication to the City. Ms. Dee Dee Wright also thanked Chief Parnell for his service to the City. ChiefParnell stated hei is honored tol have served the citizens of Salisbury for 40: years, and he pointed out the success of the Fire Department depends on every person who works at the fire stations. Chief Parnell was presented with a cake and a reception was held after the Council meeting. MAYOR PRO TEM COMMENTS Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield thanked everyone who worked to make the events that celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. a success. She thanked Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director Anne Little and members of the Human Relations Commission for their work tor make the events a success and for all they do for the City. Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield referenced the events that took place to honor Mayor Alexander, and she thanked City employees for their professionalism to show honor and respect for our Mayor. Salisbury City Council January 21, 2025 Page 9 (a) Police and Fire Departments Softball Game Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield announced Salisbury Police and Fire Departments will face off inacharity softball match, Friday, January 24th at 5:30 p.m. at the Catawba College baseball field. Admission is $5 and all proceeds will benefit the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. A baseball homerun derby that is open to the public will follow the softball game. For more information contact call 704 638-4452. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Councilmember McLaughlin Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers Jackson, McLaughlin and Post voted AYE. (4-0) The meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m. Tamara Sheffield, Mayo/ProT redy Covcue bbpl Connie B. Snyder, City Clerk Salisbury City Council January 21, 2025 Page 10