TOWN OF RIVER BEND 45 Shoreline Drive River Bend, NC 28562 T 252.638.3870 F 252.638.2580 www.fverbendnc.org RIVER BEND TOWN COUNCIL PROPOSED AGENDA Regular Meeting March 20, 2025 River Bend Town Hall - 45 Shoreline Drive 7:00 p.m. Pledge: Benton 1. Call to Order (Mayor Bledsoe Presiding) 2. Recognition of New Residents 3. Additions/Deletions to Agenda 4. Addresses to the Council - NONE 5. Public Comment The public comment period is set aside for members of the public to offer comments to the Council. It is the time for the Council to listen to the public. It is not a Question & Answer session between the public and the Council or Staff.. All comments will be directed to the Council. Each speaker may speak for up to 3 minutes. A member of staff will serve as timekeeper. A sign-up sheet is posted by the meeting room door and will be collected priort to the start oft the Public Comment Period. Speakers will be called on by the Mayorin the order that they signed up. In order to provide fort the maintenance of ordera and decorum, the Council has adopted a policy for this section of the meeting. A copy of the policy is posted by the door fory your review. Please follow the policy. If you have a specific question for staff, you are encouraged to contact the Town Manager or the appropriate Department Head at another time. 6. Public Hearings - NONE 7. Consent Agenda All items listed under this section are considered routine by the Council and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed below. There will be no separate discussion oft these items. Ifdiscussion is desired, that item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and will be considered separately. A. Approve: Minutes of February 13, 2025 Work Council Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2025 Special Council Meeting Minutes of March 11, 2025 Special Council Meeting 8. Town Manager's Report = Delane Jackson Activity Reports A. Monthly Police Report by Chief Joll B. Monthly Water Resources Report by Director of Public Works Mills C. Monthly Work Order Report by Director of Public Works Mills D. Monthly Zoning Report by Assistant Zoning Administrator McCollum Administrative Reports: 9. Parks & Recreation = Councilman Weaver A. Parks and Rec Report B. Organic Garden Report River Bend Town Council Regular Meeting March 20, 2025 Page 2 of 2 10. CAC - Councilwoman Benton A. CAC Report B. Arbor Day Proclamation 11. Finance = Councilman Leonard A. Financial Report - Finance Director B. VOTE - Water Study Supply Plan Resolution 12. Public Safety - Councilwoman Noonan A. Community Watch B. VOTE - Pamlico Sound Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 13. Mayor's Report 14. CLOSED SESSION - NCGSS 143-318.11(a)(3) 15. Adjournment ITEM 7 River Bend Town Council Work Session Minutes February 13, 2025 Town Hall 5:00 p.m. Present Council Members: Mayor Mark Bledsoe Lisa Benton Brian Leonard Kathy Noonan Jeff Weaver Absent Council Member: Buddy Sheffield Town Manager: Delane Jackson Town Clerk: Kristie Nobles Finance Director: Mandy Gilbert Town Attorney: Trey Ferguson Members of the Public Present: 9 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Bledsoe called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the River Bend Town Hall with a quorum present. VOTE = Agenda - Addition / Deletion Councilwoman Benton motioned to amend the agenda by removing item #7, Closed Session. The motion carried unanimously. VOTE = Approval of Agenda Councilwoman Benton motioned to accept the agenda as amended. The motion carried unanimously. Discussion = Pickleball Court Councilman Leonard stated that Manager Jackson has a PowerPoint presentation to present. Manager Jackson introduced Kevin Avolis, with Avolis Engineering, to the Council and presented a slideshow with the specifications and layout of the pickleball courts' estimated cost. Councilman Leonard asked Mr. Avolis about the 5" thickness of the concrete suggested, and Mr. Avolis stated that this was the same thickness used on Trent Woods pickleball courts, but the thickness of the concrete is subject to the condition of the subgrade and not a requirement of the Pickleball Court Association. Councilwoman Benton asked Mr. Avolis what the difference in cost would be for a 4' versus a 5' deep slab. He stated that concrete is estimated to be between $5.50 - $6.00 a square foot. After a brief discussion between the Council and Mr. Avolis regarding the difference in an asphalt and concrete court, it was agreed to direct Avolis to proceed with the bidding process as designed and presented. VOTE - Pickleball Court Councilman Leonard motioned to have Avolis Engineering proceed with bidding as presented. The motion carried unanimously. Discussion = ARPA Funding Policies Manager Jackson stated that the two ARPA Funding Policies, as presented, are needed to receive the ARPA funding. River Bend" Town Council ITEM 7 Feb. 13, 2025 Work Session Minutes Page 2 of27 VOTE = ARPA Funding Policies Councilman Weaver motioned approve the Internal Control Policy as presented. The motion carried unanimously. (see attached) Councilman Weaver motioned approve the Property Management Policy as presented. The motion carried unanimously. (see attached) Discussion- Audit Contract for FY24-25 The Finance Director, Mandy Gilbert, stated that the Town had utilized Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams, and Company as its auditors for the past fiscal year. She said that she was very satisfied with them and recommends that the Town utilize their services for the upcoming fiscal year. The Town Manager agreed. VOTE- Audit Contract for FY24-25 Councilman Leonard motioned to approve the FY24-25 Audit Contract with Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams & Co. as presented. The motion carried unanimously. Discussion = Communicating with Public Via Text Messages Mayor Bledsoe stated that he felt that text messaging has become the defacto way of communicating and he wanted to have a discussion regarding sending text messages to the community members. The Town Manager stated that the Town Clerk has researched the two systems that the town currently utilizes for other notifications. There was a discussion between the Mayor, Council and the Town Manager regarding the current platforms the town uses and the capabilities of those. The Mayor stated that he would like to use texting as a way to communicate with town residents. The Town Attorney stated if the Town engaged in this type of communication effort, he would encourage the Council to adopt a policy about what is to be posted and to only advertise town events. Councilman Leonard asked if the social media policy the town has previously adopted would cover this and the Town Attorney stated he recommends making it clear that it includes text messages. The Town Manager suggested that the Town Attorney and himself look into the town's current social media policy to see if it covers text messages and present it to the Council at a future date. The Council agreed. Discussion = Resolution Opposing Senate Bill 382 The Town Attorney stated that the Council had previously discussed Senate Bill 382, and it would greatly restrict municipality's ability to down zone property. He stated that the bill has been passed. He stated that his firm, along with a group of local attorneys, has drafted a resolution opposing this bill. He stated that if the Council supports this resolution, he will transmit it to the representatives. VOTE- Resolution Opposing Senate Bill 382 Councilman Leonard motioned to adopt the Resolution Opposing Senate Bill 382 as presented. The motion carried unanimously. (see attached) Discussion = Trademark of Town Seal Councilwoman Benton stated that she has been notified by several residents of the town seal being used by an individual that is not a town employee and asked that the Town Attorney comment on the use. The Town Attorney stated that the town cannot legally trademark the town's official seal, but the town can strongly discourage the use of it. Discussion = Donations and Sponsorships Councilwoman Benton stated that the Council had discussed donations and sponsorships in the past and with the upcoming Town events, she wanted to discuss it further. The Town Attorney reviewed the difference between the town accepting donations and sponsorships. The Council River Bend" Town Council ITEM 7 Feb. 13, 2025 Work Session Minutes Page 3of27 agreed for the Town Manager and the Town Attorney to create a sponsorship policy to present to the Council. REVIEW = Agenda for the February 20, 2025, Council Meeting The Council reviewed the agenda for the February 20, 2025, Council Meeting. ADVOURNMENTRECESS There being no further business, Councilwoman Noonan moved to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 6:32 p.m. Kristie J. Nobles, MMC, NCCMC Town Clerk River Bend Town Council ITEM 7 Feb. 13, 2025 Work Session Minutes Page 4 of27 Town of River Bend Internal Control Policy Definitions Management refers to employees who have direct responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the entity, including the implementation of internal controls. For the purposes of this policy, "management" includes: Town Manager, Finance Director, Department Heads, Finance Assistant. Oversight Body, as referenced in the Government Accountability Office's Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government, refers to an appointed body designated to perform oversight at the direction of the governing board. The oversight body of a local government is, by default, the governing board. Policy Overview and Purpose Internal control is a process effected by an entity's oversight body, management, and other personnel that provides reasonable assurance that the objectives of an entity will be achieved. This policy outlines the internal control process established by the Town of River Bend hereinafter Town) to provide reasonable assurances that the unit will expend ARP/CSLFRF award funds in compliance with governing laws and regulations. This document is adopted in accordance with the following directive from U.S. Treasury's Compliance and Reporting Guidance: "Per 2 CFR Part 200.303, your organization must develop and implement effective internal controls to ensure that funding decisions under the ARP/CSLFRF award constitute eligible uses of funds, and document determinations. 27 Internal Control Framework: The Town's internal controls are modeled after the internal control framework set forth in the Government Accountability Office's Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government (the "Green Book").. As described in the Green Book, Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining the internal control system in compliance with the duties outlined in this policy. The Oversight Body's primary role is to ensure management performs its internal control responsibilities. However, every employee bears some responsibility for the internal control process. The Green Book Recognizes Five Components of Internal Control: Control Environment, Risk Assessment, Control Activities, Information and Communication, and Monitoring The Town understands that each component must be present and tunctioning for the internal control process to operate at the optimal level. The responsibilities tied to each oft the components are discussed below. 1. Control Environment The control environment is the foundation for all other components of internal control, providing discipline and structure. Management values integrity, ethics, and competence in all operations, including the administration of federal awards. Management communicates and reinforces its expectations throughout the organization. Examples of management's commitment to internal controls over expenditures of ARP/CSLFRF funds include, but are not limited to, the River Bend" Town Council ITEM 7 Feb. 13, 2025 Work Session Minutes following: Page 5 of27 Management demonstrates a commitment to integrity and ethical values through its leadership, communications, personnel practices, and daily actions. Management conducts ongoing risk assessments to identify internal control weaknesses that may negatively impact the proper administration of the ARP/CSLFRF award. Management is committed to educating itself and staff on the compliance requirements tied to the administration of the ARP/CSLFRF award. Management adopts policies necessary to ensure compliance with the Uniform Guidance and the ARP/CSLFRF award terms and conditions. 2. Risk Assessment Management is committed to identifying and managing the risks that may arise during the administration ofthe ARP/CSLFRF award. The risk assessment component of internal control involves management evaluating the risks the entity faces that could negatively impact its ability to achieve its objectives. These objectives include: Operational Objectives: All assets are appropriately safeguarded against risks of fraud, theft, loss, or abuse. Reporting Objectives: Finance systems and processes produce accurate and reliable financial reporting for federal award expenditures. The Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) is complete and accurate. Compliance Objectives: Ensure ARP/CSLFRF awards funds are expended in compliance with the award terms and conditions, federal and state law, and U.S. Treasury guidance. Risk Identification Management shall identify risks that may impair the Town's ability to achieve its objectives. Management shall focus its risk assessment on areas of opportunity for employees to commit fraud. Specific areas and types of risk include: rapid growth in operations, changes in personnel, organizational restructuring, such as centralizing or decentralizing, new activities or service areas, ew or revised information systems, newt technologies in service delivery or information systems, changes in the operating or regulatory environment, and new or updated accounting and/or financial reporting practices. Uniform Guidance Compliance & Risk dentification There are specific risks that arise in the administration of a grant award. Management will identify areas of risk that may impair the Town's ability to comply with the ARP/CSLFRF award's terms and conditions and/or applicable state and federal law and regulations. Specifically, the Town will evaluate risks of non-compliance in the following compliance areas: Eligibility, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Period of Performance, Financial Management, Property Management, Procurement, Subrecipient Monitoring, and Program Income. River Bend" Town Council ITEM 7 Feb. 13, 2025 Work Session Minutes Risk Analysis Page 6 of27 Management shall determine the potential severity of liabilities associated with the risks identified by weighing the likelihood of occurrence against the degree of impact. Likelihood x Impact = Risk Priority After ratinge each risk for likelihood & impact, multiply toi identify which risks are! highest priority to control for. Risk Priority 5 5 10 15 20 25 Priority Rank Scale 4 4 8 12 16 20 Low 1to 4 3 3 6 9 12 15 Moderate 51 to9 2 2 4 6 8 10 High 10 to: 19 1 1 2 3 4 5 VeryHigh 20+ 1 2 3 4 5 Impact Risk Response Management shall review the results of the risk analysis and determine whether to implement control activities to mitigate risks. Management will respond to identified risks in one of three ways: accept the risk, reduce the risk by implementing control activities to help prevent or detect issues, or avoid the risk by not pursuing certain activities. Management shall consider the relative cost of implementing controls versus the benefit(s) offered in deciding whether to mitigate risk(s) through the implementation of control activities. When possible, control activities will be implemented to mitigate risks that rate "High" or "Very High" on the Likelihood/Impact scale. 3. Control Activities Control activities are the actions taken by management to respond to risks that may prevent the entity from achieving its objectives. The internal control activities are either preventative or detective. The Town uses a variety of control activities that support strong internal controls, including, but not limited to the following: written policies and procedures, segregation of duties: separating authorization, custody, record-keeping, and reconciliation functions, authorizations to undertake ytepoganvcpemdnrg reconciliation of accounts and records, documentation and record-keeping, physical controls, including locks, physical barriers, and security systems to protect physical assets, IT controls, including passwords, access logs, and firewalls to protect sensitive data and restrict access to electronic data and files, staff training, or a combination ofthe above 4. Information and Communication The Town communicates accurate and quality information to internal staff and personnel and to external stakeholders and community members. Communication plays an integral role in the internal control system by helping to promote transparency regarding the use of public funds. Management shall be responsible for communicating internal control processes River Bend Town Council ITEM 7 Feb. 13, 2025 Work Session Minutes to those employees directly involved in finance and/or grant administration. Management Page 7 of27 will communicate its policies, procedures, and internal controls through various programs, training, and electronic communication. Information regarding pertinent policies, processes, and control activities will flow down, across, and up the organizational structure. Internal control deficiencies should be reported upstream, with serious matters reported immediately to top-level management and/or to the governing board. Employees are required to report any critical issues within the internal control system to management as soon as possible after the discovery. To ensure transparency regarding the use of ARP/CSLFRF funds, the Town shall communicate quality information to community members and external stakeholders. The communication channels may include: The Town maintains a webpage to highlight projects undertaken with ARP/ CSLFRF award funds. Capital Project Ordinances and otherreports are posted to the webpage. Governing board members and management are willing to engage directly with community members and answer questions via email and/or provide updates during regularly scheduled meetings. 5. Monitoring The Town shall conduct ongoing monitoring ofthe internal control system to identify its strengths and weaknesses. Internal and external audits will be conducted pursuant to federal and state law. These audit processes will test the effectiveness ofinternal controls over federal and state awards. Internal Controls & Uniform Guidance Compliance Financial Management, 2 CFR $ 200.302 Overview: The Town must have a financial management system in place to satisfy the requirements set forth in 2 CFR 200.302. The Town will rely on its existing accounting processes and procedures, to track the obligations and expenditures of ARP/CSLFRF funds. Objectives: Ensure compliance with the following requirements set forth in 2 CFR 200.302, as follows: 1. Track all federal awards received and related expenditures separately for each federal program. 2. Provide accurate, current, and complete financial data to enable the disclosure of the results of each federal award. 3. Identify the source and application of funds (i.e., the system must be able to track authorizations, obligations, and disbursements, and tie any expenditures to eligible uses of. ARP/CSLFRF funds. 4. Maintain control over, and accountability for, all funds, property, and other assets. 5. Compare budgeted amounts with actual expenditures. 6. Expenditures must be supported by the Town's written procedures for determining the allowability, reasonableness, and allocability of costs. Control Activities: River Bend" Town Council ITEM 7 Feb. 13, 2025 Work Session Minutes Thew Town's s practice is to set up a grant project ordinance to separately account for andPage8ot27 track expenditures of ARP/CSLFRF funds. Utilize a financial management system that meets the standards outlined in 2 CFR 200.302. Segregation of Duties: Duties and functions related to financial reporting are segregated to ensure no one person has control over all parts of a financial transaction. Documentation: Documentation of financial transactions is complete and accurate and facilitates tracing the transaction from authorization and initiation through disbursement. Finance Director shall ensure that, at a minimum, accounting records evidencing authorizations, obligations, and expenditures of ARP/CSLFRF funds are created and retained according to record retention requirements. Source documentation is retained, including paid invoices, payrolls, time and attendance records, contracts, and subaward documents. Reporting: Finance Director shall prepare monthly reports fort the governing board that includes updates for grant project expenditures and a comparison of budget to actuals. Reconciliation: General ledger and subsidiary ledgers used to account for the receipt and disbursements of ARP/ CSLFRF funds are reconciled monthly against account balances by someone who does not have record-keeping/bookkeeping functions. Communication & Monitoring: The Finance Director is responsible for communicating the financial management requirements and associated control activities to the appropriate personnel. All employees within the finance and accounting office have responsibility for internal controls, including the ongoing assessment of the effectiveness ofi internal control activities over the financial management system. Eligibility Overview: The Town is responsible for ensuring ARP/CSLFRF funds are expended on eligible projects and programs. The process for making eligibility determinations is described in the Town's Eligible Use Policy. Objectives: 1. Ensure that supported projects and programs under the ARP/CSLFRF are eligible under one of the expenditure categories. (Eligible uses include projects identified in the Final Rule that fit within one ofthe four eligible use categories: COVID-19/Negative Economic Impacts, Revenue Replacement, Premium Pay, Investment in Necessary Broadband and Water/Sewer Infrastructure.) 2. Document eligibility review and project determinations. 3. Establish processes to ensure funds are not expended on ineligible uses. (Prohibited uses include bulk deposits into pension funds, debt services, replenishing financial reserves, River Bend" Town Council ITEM 7 Feb. 13, 2025 Work Session Minutes the satisfaction of settlements and judgments, support for programs that undermine thegesdiz7 effort to stop the spread ofCOVID-19, and any use that would violate state or local law.) Control Activities: Eligible Use Policy: The Town has adopted an ARP/CSLFRF Eligible Use Policy that explains the eligible uses of ARP/CSLFRF award funds and includes the Town's process for reviewing and documenting eligibility determinations. Authorization: Town Manager has reviewed applicable Treasury guidance, including the Final Rule, and has trained stafft to conduct initial eligibility reviews for all project or program requests. Documentation: Each department is encouraged to use the SOG's Sample Eligibility Worksheet to document the review process. This documentation is retained for the five-year record retention period. Town Manager is responsible for overseeing compliance with documentation and record retention requirements. Communication & Monitoring: Management will communicate eligibility requirements and project determinations internally to staff and externally to community members and stakeholders. Management will periodically review a sample of eligibility determinations to ensure that documentation is being maintained and that the supported projects are eligible. Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, 2 CFR $8 200.400 to 200.476 Overview: The Town has a written Allowable Cost/Cost Principles policy for compliance with 2 CFR 200 S 202. Objectives: 1. Ensure all costs charged to the federal award are allowable as defined in the Uniform Guidance, Subpart E Cost Principles. 2. Consistently apply local policies to both federally financed and non-federally financed activities. 3. Treat costs consistently as direct or indirect costs. 4. Adequately document evidence of allowable cost review and other compliance requirements as necessary. 5. When applicable, appropriately charge indirect costs using either the Negotiated Independent Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) or the de minimis rate of 10 percent. Control Activities: Policy: The Town has adopted an Allowable Cost/Cost Principles Policy, as required by 2 CFR 200.302. Segregation of duties: When possible, duties are segregated between those who initiate, approve, and record financial transactions. Training: Management trains stafft to conduct an allowable cost review in compliance with the UG Cost Principles. (See Cost Principles Policy for specific compliance requirements.) Documentation: Town Manager shall ensure that documentation evidencing compliance River Bend" Town Council ITEM 7 Feb. 13, 2025 Work Session Minutes with the Cost Principles is created and maintained through December 31, 2031. At a Page 10 of27 minimum, cost items will be reviewed for allowability prior to being charged to the federal award. Communication & Monitoring: Management shall ensure that staff is adequately trained to recognize allowable costs and associated compliance requirements for each eligibility category. Management shall periodically test the control activities by reviewing a sample of cost items charged to the. ARP/CSLFRF award for allowability. Management will also test whether costs are charged to the proper project codes within the grant project ordinance. Period of Performance Overview: The Period of Performance covers the period oftime the' Town may obligate and expend ARP/ CSLFRF funds. ARP/CSLFRF funds must be used for costs incurred between March 3, 2021, and December 31, 2024. For a cost to be incurred, the funds must be obligated (e.g., contract executed/pre-audit stage). All obligated funds must be expended by December 31, 2026. Any unspent award funds must be returned to the Treasury. Objective: Ensure that all obligations and expenditures are incurred during the. ARP/CSLFRF award's period of performance. Control Activities: Management reviews obligation dates to ensure that all obligations are made for costs incurred between March 3, 2021, and December 31, 2024. Management trains staff to review obligation and expenditure dates on contracts, or when performing eligibility and allowable cost reviews. Communication & Monitoring: Management shall communicate pertinent dates, including the period of performance, to any: staff responsible for obligating or expending federal award funds. Periodic testing by management will ensure that all obligations are incurred between March 3, 2021, and December 31, 2024. Procurement, Suspension & Debarment, 2 CFR S8 200.317 to 200.327 Overview: When expending ARP/CSLFRF funds the To wr n will follow all federal procurement rules outlined in the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR $8 200.318-200.327) as well as its own internal policies. Where established local or state rules are more strict than federal rules, the recipient must follow the most restrictive rule. Objectives: The Finance Department recognizes it must satisfy the minimum federal procurement requirements, as follows: 1. Adopt a written procurement policy that considers the procurement standards in $ 200.318, which includes bidding contracts in compliance River Bend Town Council ITEM 7 Feb. 13, 2025 Work Session Minutes with federal bidding thresholds, oversight of contractors' performance, Page 11 of27 and maintaining records to document the history of procurements. 2. Provide full and open competition in conducting procurements, consistent with the standards outlined in S 200.319 and $ 200.320, which allow for non-competitive procurements only in limited circumstances. 3. Comply with the requirements of $ 200.320(a) when using the micro- purchase and small purchase methods of procurement. 4. Use the sealed bids method for procurement contracts exceeding the simplified threshold. Utilize the competitive proposals method when sealed bidding is not possible. 5. Ensure noncompetitive procurement methods meet the conditions set forth under S 200.320(c). 6. Perform a cost or] price analysis for every procurement action in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, including contract modifications. 7. Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.319(b), ifa firm assists in the development or drafting of specifications, statements of work, or bids or RFPs, the firm must be excluded from competing for the procurement. 8. Ensure that all contracts include the applicable contract provisions required by S 200.327 and described in Appendix II of2 CFR 200. 9. Verify that a contractor is eligible by reviewing the suspended and debarred list on SAM.gov. 10. Restrict access to sensitive contractor information, such as Social Security numbers or federal tax ID numbers. General Procurement Control Activities: Procurement Policy: The Town maintains documented procurement procedures that are consistent with the standards outlined in $S 200.317through 200.327. This policy contains detailed processes and control activities for procurements made with federal funds. The Town Council must approve all contracts. Town Manager is responsible for monitoring and documenting the performance of a contract for compliance with contract terms, conditions, and other specifications. Prenumbered purchase orders are used. A pre-audit certificate that is signed by the [finance officer or designated deputy] is attached to all purchase orders, invoices, or other contract obligations. Ensure purchasing forms have multiple copies sO other departments, such as receiving and accounts payable, can be notified of the authorization. Micro-purchases: may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotes ifa determination is made that the price is reasonable. Cost items shall be reviewed for allowability pursuant to the review process set forth in the Allowable Cost Policy. Town Manager is responsible for identifying qualified vendors and rotating purchases made under the micro-purchase threshold among different suppliers. Management shall periodically check compliance with this control activity. Town Manager shall verify that contractors are not on the suspended or debarred list. A screenshot of the record check shall be maintained. Access to sensitive contractor information, such as Social Security numbers or federal tax ID: numbers, is restricted. Segregation of Duties: Duties are segregated between authorization, custody, record-keeping, and reconciliation. Thej person who sets up new contractors in the accounting system or edits information on existing vendors (record-keeping) is not the same as the person writing the checks River Bend" Town Council ITEM 7 Feb. 13, 2025 Work Session Minutes (authorization). Page 12 of27 Reconciliations are performed by an employee who does not have record-keeping duties. Invoices and other supporting documentation are thoroughly reviewed prior to the invoice being approved (e.g., compare the receiving or packaging slip against the authorization). Documentation: Documenting the history of procurements is a top internal control priority for the Town. All request personnel shall be trained on documentation and record retention policies. [Ideally, management will require the use of standard forms and templates for purchase orders, contracts, requests for proposals/bids, cost/price analyses, bid evaluation, etc.] Bid documents shall reflect all steps in the procurement process, including: bid specifications and proof of advertisement (if required), rationale for the selected method of procurement, bid submissions, evaluation criteria, basis for contractor selection or rejection, justification for lack of competition, when applicable, basis for award cost or price, and contract agreement, including required UG contract clauses. Source documentation relating to procurements must be retained and should include sufficient details to support the transaction, including: cost and quantity of items purchased, model numbers, purchase orders with pre-audit certificates, and personnel who authorized the sale, if applicable. All records shall be maintained for a period of five (5) years after the ARP/CSLFRF period of performance (through December 31, 2031). Communication & Monitoring: Management shall ensure purchasing and finance staff understand federal procurement laws. Additional training shall be provided as necessary. Management will periodically review purchase orders and contracts to ensure that all charges are accounted for in the period in which the cost occurred and fall within the period of performance. Property Management, 2 CFR SS 200.310 to 200.316 Overview: The Town will follow the applicable provisions of itsl Property Management Policy. Objectives: 1. Ensure real property, personal property, supplies, and equipment are used in compliance with the UG property standards (2 CFR 200.310- River Bend Town Council ITEM 7 Feb. 13, 2025 Work Session Minutes 316), and subject to the requirements set out in FAQ 13.16. Page 13 of27 2. Ensure documentation is maintained to substantiate any determination on whether the use of an asset is authorized for a particular purpose during and after the award period of performance. 3. Establish adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. 4. Follow adequate maintenance procedures to keep equipment in good condition. 5. Ensure proper disposition of real property and equipment in accordance with S 200.311(c) and $ 200.313 (e). Control Activities: Insurance Coverage: Purchase equivalent insurance coverage for real property and equipment as is provided to other property owned by the Town. 2 CFR $ 200.310. Property Management Policy: Town has adopted a Property Management Policy that sets forth property management processes, including procedures for record-keeping, reporting, and disposition responsibilities for real and personal property. Real Property Reporting: Town Manager shall oversee the annual reporting requirements for any real property or personal property acquired with federal awards funds. Standard Form 429 shall be used to report real property and the Standard Form 428 shall be used to report tangible personal property, including equipment. Equipment Management: The Town has procedures for managing equipment, whether acquired in whole or in part under a federal award, until disposition takes place. The Town will, at a minimum, meet the following requirements: Maintain equipment records that include a description of equipment, serial number/ model number, source ofi funding, acquisition date, location and condition of equipment, unit acquisition cost, and final data, including date of disposal, sales price, and method used to determine fair market value. S 200.313(d). Ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Such safeguards may include attaching property tags to federally owned equipment that includes the FAIN. Any loss, damage, or theft will be investigated. S 200.313(d). Regular maintenance will be performed to keep the property in good condition. Aj physical inventory of equipment will be performed, and the results reconciled with the property records, at least once every two years. Ifthe Town is authorized or required to sell equipment, proper sales procedures will be used to ensure the highest possible return. Communication & Monitoring: Management will train employees to understand the various compliance requirements set forth in the Uniform Guidance property management standards. Periodic testing of established controls shall be performed to ensure that all reporting and property management requirements are satisfied for both real property and equipment. Subrecipient Risk Assessment & Monitoring, 2 CFR SS 200.331 to 200.333 Overview: The Town will not be making any subawards, therefore this section does not apply. When applicable, The Town will adopt and follow a Subaward Policy. River Bend" Town Council ITEM 7 Feb. 13, 2025 Work Session Minutes Program Income, 2 CFR S 200.307 Page14c of27 Overview: The Town's projects will not be producing program income. When applicable, the Town will adopt and follow a Program Income Policy with the following provisions: Objectives: 1. Separately track and account for program income during the ARP/CSLFRF award's period of performance. 2. Expend program income on eligible projects and programs during the period of performance (program income is added to the total ARP/CSLFRF award). Control Activities: On a monthly basis, recorded program income is reconciled with supporting documentation, such as loan ledgers and other accounting records. Program income is separately tracked and accounted for within the grant project ordinance. Management ensures program income is added to the total ARP/CSLFRF award and used to support eligible projects and programs. Individuals who collect cash or other receipts are different from those who deposit receipts, generate invoices, record general ledger activity, and reconcile bank statements. Communication & Monitoring: Management shall identify program income requirements and communicate compliance requirements to staff. Management shall periodically review accounting records to ensure program income is separately accounted for during the award period of performance. Records Retention Policy (ARP/CSLFRF records shall be maintained for five years after the period of performance), Civil Rights Compliance Policy, and Nondiscrimination Policy. Adopted this the 13th day of February, 2025 Mark Bledsoe, Mayor ATTEST: ustuesn snols Kriste Nobles, TowrClerk River Bend Town Council ITEM 7 Feb. 13, 2025 Work Session Minutes Page 15 of27 TOWN OF RIVER BEND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT POLICY RELATED TO THE EXPENDITURE OF AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT CORONAVIRUS STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUNDS BY NORTH CAROLINA LOCAL GOVERNMENTS WHEREAS the Town of River Bend I has received an allocation of funds from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds of H.R. 1319 American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP/CSLFRF); and WHEREAS the funds may be used for projects within these categories, to the extent authorized by state law. 1. Support COVID-19 public health expenditures, by funding COVID-19 mitigation and prevention efforts, medical expenses, behavioral healthcare, preventing and responding to violence, and certain public health and safety staff; 2. Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency, including economic harms to households, small businesses, non-profits, impacted industries, and the public sector; 3. Replace lost public sector revenue, using this funding to provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue experienced due to the pandemic; 4. Provide premium pay for essential workers, offering additional support to those who have borne and will bear the greatest health risks because of their service in critical infrastructure sectors; and, 5. Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure, making necessary investments to improve access to clean drinking water, support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and to expand access to broadband internet; and WHEREAS the ARP/CSLFRF are subject to the provisions of the federal Uniform Grant Guidance, 2 CFR Sect. 200 (UG), as provided in the Assistance Listing; and WHEREAS the Compliance and Reporting Guidance for the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (v4.1 June 2022) provides, in relevant part: Equipment and Real Property Management. Any purchase of equipment or real property with SLFRF funds must be consistent with the Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart D. Equipment and real property acquired under this program must be used for the originally authorized purpose. Consistent with 2 CFR 200.311 and 2 CFR 200.313, any equipment or real property acquired using SLFRF funds shall vest in the non-Federal entity. Any acquisition and maintenance of equipment or real property must also be in compliance with relevant laws and regulations. River Bend Town Council ITEM 7 Feb. 13, 2025 Work Session Minutes Page 16 of27 WHEREAS Subpart D of the UG dictates title, use, management, and disposal of real property, equipment, and supplies acquired in whole or in part with ARP/CSLFRF funds; BE IT RESOLVED that the governing board of the Town of River Bend hereby adopts and enacts the following UG Property Management Policy for the expenditure of ARP/CSLFRF funds. Adopted this the 13th day of February, 2025 27 Mark Bledsoe, Mayor ATTEST: lssnob Kristie Nobles, Town Clerk River Bend Town Council ITEM 7 Feb. 13, 2025 Work Session Minutes Page 17 of27 Town of River Bend Property Management Policy (for Real Property, Equipment, and Supplies) Acquired with American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds I. POLICY OVERVIEW Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, commonly called Uniform Guidance (UG), specifically Subpart D, details post award requirements related to property management of property acquired or updated, in whole or in part, with funds from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds of H.R. 1319 American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP/CSLFRF). 2 CFR 200.311 through 2 CFR 200.316, as modified by US TreasuryARP/CSLFRE Final Rule FAQs 13.15 & 13.16, detail property standards related to the expenditure of ARP/CLSFRF funds. The Town of River Bend, hereinafter "Town" shall adhere to all applicable property standards, as detailed below. II. DEFINITIONS The definitions in 2 CFR 200.1 apply to this policy, including the following: Computing devices: machines used to acquire, store, analyze, process, and publish data and otherinformation electronically, including accessories (or peripherals") for printing, transmitting and receiving, or storing electronic information. See also the definitions of supplies and information technology systems in this section. Equipment: tangible personal property (including information technology systems) having a useful life of more than one year and a per-unit acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of the capitalization level established by the Town for financial statement purposes, or $5,000. Information technology systems : computing devices, ancillary equipment, software, firmware, and similar procedures, services (including support services), and related resources. See also the definitions of computing devices and equipment in this section. Intangible property: property having no physical existence, such as trademarks, copyrights, patents and patent applications and property, such as loans, notes and other debt instruments, lease agreements, stock and other instruments of property ownership (whether the property is tangible or intangible). Personal property: property other than real property. It may be tangible, having physical existence, or intangible. River Bend Town Council ITEM 7 Feb. 13, 2025 Work Session Minutes Page 18 of27 Property: real property or personal property. Real property: land, including land improvements, structures and appurtenances thereto, but excludes moveable machinery and equipment. Supplies: all tangible personal property other than those described in the definition of equipment in this section. A computing device is a supply if the acquisition cost is less than the lesser of the capitalization level established by the local government for financial statement purposes or $5,000, regardless of the length of its useful life. See also the definitions of computing devices and equipment in this section. II. REAL PROPERTY Title to Real Property: Title to real property acquired or improved with ARP/CSLFRF funds vests with the Town. 2 CFR 200.311(a). Use of Real Property: During the period of performance of the ARP/CSLFRF award, the Town may use real property purchased or improved with ARP/CSLFRF funds for a purpose other than the purpose for which it was purchased or improved if such other purpose is also consistent with the ARP/CSLFRF eligible use requirements. If the Town changes the use of the real property to an ineligible use or sells the real property prior to the end of the period of performance, then it must follow the disposition procedures detailed in the Disposition of Real Property section below. After the period of performance of the ARP/CSLFRF award, the Town must use the real property consistent with the purpose for which it was purchased or improved or for any other eligible purpose in the same category as the purpose reported to US Treasury as of the final reporting period, as set forth in the table below: Use Requirements Category Property, supplies, or equipment last reported as being used to respond to the public health impacts oft the public health Public Health and CFR emergency, as outlined in 31 35.6(b)(3)(), or being used for the Assistance to Households provision of services to households provided in 31 CFR and Individuals 35.6(b)(3)()(A), are authorized to fulfill any eligible use of funds provided in these subparagraphs of the Final Rule. Assistance to Small Property, supplies, or equipment last reported as being used for the Businesses, Nonprofits, provision of services to small businesses, nonprofits, and impacted and Impacted Industries industries outlined in 31 CFR 35.61b)3)()B)-ID) are authorized to River Bend Town Council ITEM 7 Feb. 13, 2025 Work Session Minutes Page 19 of27 fulfill any eligible use of funds outlined in the public health and negative economic impacts eligible use category. Property, supplies, or equipment last reported as being used to make investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure Water, Sewer, or pursuant to 31 CFR 35.6(e) are authorized to fulfill any eligible use of Broadband Infrastructure funds outlined in the water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure eligible use category. Government N/A Services/Revenue Loss Premium Pay N/A Ifthe real property's use shifts outside the parameters of the eligible purpose according to this table after the period of performance, then the Town (and any subrecipients) must follow the disposition procedures in the Disposition of Real Property section below. The Town is responsible for being able to substantiate its determination on whether the use of the real property is authorized and maintain a record of that determination in accordance with the requirements set forth in the financial assistance agreement accepted in connection with the ARP/CSLFRF award. The Town is not required to seek or obtain the approval of US Treasury prior to changing the use within the parameters of these authorized purposes. Insurance of Real Property: The Town must provide the equivalent insurance coverage for real property acquired or improved with ARP/CSLFRF funds as provided to property owned by the Town. 2 CFR 200.310. No Encumbrance of Real Property: The Town may not encumber the real property unless authorized by US Treasury. 2 CFR 200.311(b). Disposition of Real Property: If the Town changes the use of real property to an ineligible use or sells the asset during the period of performance of the ARP/CSLFRF award or changes the use of the asset outside the eligible category after the period of performance ends, then the Town must obtain disposition instructions from US Treasury. The instructions must provide for one of the following alternatives: 1. The Town retains title after compensating US Treasury. The amount paid to US Treasury will be computed by applying US Treasury's percentage of participation in the cost of the original purchase (and costs of any improvements) to the fair market value of the property. However, in those situations where the Town is disposing of real property River Bend Town Council ITEM 7 Feb. 13, 2025 Work Session Minutes Page 20 of27 acquired or improved with ARP/CSLFRF funds and acquiring replacement real property under the ARP/CSLFRF, the net proceeds from the disposition may be used as an offset to the cost of the replacement property. 2. The Town sells the property and compensates US Treasury. The amount due to US Treasury will be calculated by applying US Treasury's percentage of participation in the cost of the original purchase (and cost of any improvements) to the proceeds of the sale after deduction of any actual and reasonable selling and fixing-up expenses. If the ARP/CSLFRF award has not been closed out, the net proceeds from sale may be offset against the original cost of the property. When the Town is directed to sell property, sales procedures must be followed that provide for competition to the extent practicable and result in the highest possible return. 3. The Town transfers title to US Treasury or to a third party designated/approved by US Treasury. The Town is entitled to be paid an amount calculated by applying the Town's percentage of participation in the purchase of the real property (and cost of any improvements) to the current fair market value of the property. 2 CFR 200.311(c). IV. EQUIPMENT Title to Equipment: Title to equipment acquired or improved with ARP/CSLFRF funds vests with the Town. 2 CFR 200.313(a). Use of Equipment: During the period of performance of the ARP/CSLFRF award, the Town may use equipment purchased or improved with ARP/CSLFRF funds for a purpose other than the purpose for which it was purchased or improved if such other purpose is also consistent with the ARP/CSLFRF eligible use requirements. If the Town changes the use of equipment to an ineligible use or sells the equipment prior to the end of the period of performance, then it must follow the disposition procedures detailed in the Disposition of Equipment section below. After the period of performance of the ARP/CSLFRF award, the Town must use equipment consistent with the purpose for which it was purchased or improved or for any other eligible purpose in the same category as the purpose reported to US Treasury as of the final reporting period, as set forth in the table below: Use Requirements Category Property, supplies, or equipment last reported as being used to respond to the public health impacts of the public health Public Health and emergency, as outlined in 31 CFR 35.6(b)(3)(), or being used for the Assistance to Households provision of services to households provided in 31 CFR and Individuals 35.6(b)(3)i)A), are authorized to fulfill any eligible use of funds provided in these subparagraphs of the Final Rule. River Bend Town Council ITEM 7 Feb. 13, 2025 Work Session Minutes Page 21 of27 Property, supplies, or equipment last reported as being used for the provision of services to small ousinesses, nonprofits, and impacted Assistance to Small industries outlined in 31 CFR 35.6b)3)0/B)-ID) are authorized to Businesses, Nonprofits, fulfill any eligible use of funds outlined in the public health and and Impacted Industries negative economic impacts eligible use category. Property, supplies, or equipment last reported as being used to make investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure Water, Sewer, or pursuant to 31 CFR 35.6(e) are authorized to fulfill any eligible use of Broadband Infrastructure funds outlined in the water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure eligible use category. Government N/A Services/Revenue Loss Premium Pay N/A If the equipment's use shifts outside the parameters oft the eligible purpose according to this table after the period of performance, then the Town(and any subrecipients) must follow the disposition procedures in the Disposition of Equipment section below. The Town is responsible for being able to substantiate its determination on whether the use of equipment is authorized and maintain a record of that determination in accordance with the requirements set forth in the financial assistance agreement accepted in connection with the ARP/CSLFRF award. The Town is not required to seek or obtain the approval of US Treasury prior to changing the use within the parameters of these authorized purposes. During the time that equipment is used on the project for which it was acquired, the Town must also make equipment available for use on other projects or programs currently or previously supported by the Federal Government, provided that such use will not interfere with the work on the project for which it was originally acquired. First preference for other use must be given to other programs or projects supported by US Treasury and second preference must be given to programs or projects under Federal awards from other Federal awarding agencies. Use for non-federaly-funded programs or projects is also permissible. User fees should be considered if appropriate. 2 CFR 200.313(c)(2). Noncompetition: The Town must not use equipment acquired with the ARP/CSLFRF funds to provide services for a fee that is less than private companies charge for equivalent services unless specifically authorized by Federal statute for as long as the Federal Government retains an interest in the equipment. 2 CFR 200.313(c)(3). River Bend Town Council ITEM 7 Feb. 13, 2025 Work Session Minutes Page 22 of27 No Encumbrance: The Town may not encumber the equipment without approval of US Treasury. 2 CFR 200.313(a)(2). Replacement Equipment: When acquiring replacement equipment, the Town may use the equipment to be replaced as a trade-in or sell the property and use the proceeds to offset the cost of the replacement property. 2 CFR 200.313(c)(4). Management of Equipment: The Town will manage equipment (including replacement equipment) acquired in whole or in part with ARP/CSLFRF funds according to the following requirements. 1. The Town will maintain sufficient records that include a) a description of the property, b) a serial number or other identification number, c) the source of funding for the property (including the Federal Award Identification Number (FAIN)), d) who holds title, e) the acquisition date, f) cost oft the property, g) percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, h) the location, use and condition of the property, and i) any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. 2. The Town will conduct a physical inventory of the property and reconcile results with its property records at least once every two years. 3. The Town will develop a control system to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft will be investigated by the Town. 4. The Town will develop and implement adequate maintenance procedures to keep the property in good condition. 5. If the Town is authorized or required to sell the property, it will establish proper sales procedures to ensure the highest possible return, in accordance with state and federal law. Insurance of Equipment: The Town must provide the equivalent insurance coverage for equipment acquired or improved with ARP/CSLFRF funds as provided to property owned by the Town. 2 CFR 200.310. River Bend Town Council ITEM 7 Feb. 13, 2025 Work Session Minutes Page 23 of27 Disposition of Equipment: If the Town changes the use of the equipment to an ineligible use or sells the equipment during the period of performance of the ARP/CSLFRF award or changes the use of the equipment outside the eligible category after the period of performance ends, then the Town may either make the equipment available for use in other activities funded by a Federal agency, with priority given to activities funded by US Treasury, dispose of the equipment according to instructions from US Treasury, or follow the procedures below. 2 CFR 200.313(e). 1. Equipment with a per-item fair market value of less than $5,000 may be retained, sold or transferred by the Town, in accordance with state law, with no additional responsibility to US Treasury; 2. If no disposal instructions are received from US Treasury, equipment with a per-item fair market value of greater than $5,000 may be retained or sold by the Town. The Town must establish proper sales procedures, in accordance with state law, to ensure the highest possible return. The Town must reimburse US Treasury fori its federal share. Specifically, US Treasury is entitled to an amount calculated by multiplying the current market value or proceeds from sale by the ARP/CSLFRF funding percentage of participation in the cost of the original purchase. If the equipment is sold, US Treasury may permit the Town to deduct and retain from the Federal share $500 or ten percent of the proceeds, whichever is less, for its selling and handling expenses. 3. Equipment may be transferred to US Treasury or to a third-party designated by US Treasury in return for compensation to the Town for its attributable compensation for its attributable percentage of the current fair market value of the property. V. SUPPLIES Title to Supplies. Title to supplies acquired with ARP/CSLFRF funds vests with the Town upon acquisition. 2 CFR 200.314(a). Use of Supplies: During the period of performance of the ARP/CSLFRF award, the Town may use supplies purchased or improved with ARP/CSLFRF funds for a purpose other than the purpose for which it was purchased or improved if such other purpose is also consistent with the ARP/CSLFRF eligible use requirements. If the Town changes the use of supplies to an ineligible use or sells the supplies prior to the end of the period of performance, then it must follow the disposition procedures detailed in the Disposition of Supplies section below. After the period of performance of the ARP/CSLFRF award, the Town must use supplies consistent with the purpose for which they were purchased or improved or for any other eligible purpose in the same category as the purpose reported to US Treasury as of the final reporting period, as set forth in the table below: River Bend Town Council ITEM 7 Feb. 13, 2025 Work Session Minutes Page 24 of27 Use Requirements Category Property, supplies, or equipment last reported as being used to respond to the public health impacts of the public health Public Health and emergency, as outlined in 31 CFR 35.6(b)(3)(), or being used for the Assistance to Households provision of services to households provided in 31 CFR and Individuals 35.6(b)(3)i)(A), are authorized to fulfill any eligible use of funds provided in these subparagraphs of the Final Rule. Property, supplies, or equipment last reported as being used for the provision of services to small businesses, nonprofits, and impacted Assistance to Small industries outlined in 31 CFR 35.6b)3/0)B)-D) are authorized to Businesses, Nonprofits, fulfill any eligible use of funds outlined in the public health and and Impacted Industries negative economic impacts eligible use category. Property, supplies, or equipment last reported as being used to make investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure Water, Sewer, or pursuant to 31 CFR 35.6(e) are authorized to fulfill any eligible use of Broadband Infrastructure funds outlined in the water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure eligible use category. Government N/A Services/Revenue Loss Premium Pay N/A If the supplies use shift outside the parameters of the eligible purpose according to this table after the period of performance, then the Town(and any subrecipients) must follow the disposition procedures in the Disposition of Supplies section below. The Town is responsible for being able to substantiate its determination on whether the use of supplies is authorized and maintain a record of that determination in accordance with the requirements set forth in the financial assistance agreement accepted in connection with the ARP/CSLFRF award. The Town is not required to seek or obtain the approval of US Treasury prior to changing the use within the parameters of these authorized purposes. Noncompetition. As long as the Federal Government retains an interest in the supplies, the Town must not use supplies acquired under the ARP/CSLFRF to provide services to other organizations for a fee that is less than private companies charge for equivalent services, unless specifically authorized by Federal statute. 2 CFR 200.314(b). River Bend Town Council ITEM 7 Feb. 13, 2025 Work Session Minutes Page 25 of27 Disposition of Supplies. If there is a residual inventory of unused supplies exceeding $5,000 in total aggregate value upon termination or completion of the project and the supplies are not needed for any other Federal award, the non-Federal entity must retain the supplies for use on other activities or sell them, but must, in either case, compensate the Federal Government for its share. The amount of compensation must be computed in the same manner as for equipment. 2 CFR 200.314(a). VI. PROPERTY TRUST RELATIONSHIP Real property, equipment, and intangible property, that are acquired or improved with ARP/CSLFRF funds must be held in trust by the Town as trustee for the beneficiaries of the project or program under which the property was acquired or improved. US Treasury may require the Town to record liens or other appropriate notices of record to indicate that personal or real property has been acquired or improved with a Federal award and that use and disposition conditions apply to the property. 2 CFR 200.316. VII. IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICY The Public Works Director shall adopt procedures to track all real property, equipment, and supplies (collectively, property) acquired or improved in whole or in part with ARP/CLSFRF funds. At a minimum, those procedures must address the following: Ensure proper insurance of property Document proper use of property Working with the Finance Director, record and maintain required data records for equipment Conduct periodic inventories of equipment, at least every two years Create processes for replacement and disposition of property Establish other internal controls to safeguard and properly maintain property River Bend Town Council ITEM 7 Feb. 13, 2025 Work Session Minutes Page 26 of27 RESOLUTION REQUESTING TOWN OF RIVER BEND'S DELEGATION TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA TO INTRODUCE AND/OR SUPPORT LEGISLATION TO EXEMPT THE TOWN OF RIVER BEND FROM THE PROVISIONS OF PART III, SUBPART III-K OF SB 382 AND TO RESTORE THE ORIGINAL PROVISIONS OF N.C.G.S. $ 160D-601(d) THAT WHEREAS, Senate Bill 382, entitled "AN ACT TO MAKE MODIFICATIONS TO AND PROVIDE ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR DISASTER RECOVERY; TO MAKE TECHNICAL, CLARIFYING, AND OTHER MODIFICATIONS TO THE CURRENT OPERATIONS APPROPRIATIONS ACT OF 2023; AND TO MAKE VARIOUS CHANGES TO THE LAW ("SB 382"), became law on December 11, 2024; and WHEREAS, Part III, Subpart III-K of SB 382 entitled LOCAL GOVERNMENT (the "Down-zoning Provision"), amends N.C.G.S. $ 160D-601(d) by prohibiting local governments from enacting or enforcing any zoning regulations, or zoning map amendments, that would constitute "down-zoning" without first obtaining the written consent ofall property owners whose property would be subject to such an amendment; and WHEREAS, N.C.G.S. $ 160D-601(d) previously required written consent for non- government initiated zoning regulation or zoning map amendments that reduced the uses of a property. The consent requirement ofthe Down-zoning Provision greatly extends the application ofthe consent requirement to now include amendments initiated by the local government as well; and WHEREAS, the Down-zoning Provision applies to any zoning provision that reduces development density to any degree, removes any permitted uses of1 land from any zoning district, or creates non-conformities in non-residential zoning districts, all of which constitute the most basic tools local governments have available to maintain land use compatibility, achieve desired density, and ensure orderly growth and development; and WHEREAS, as a practical matter, the Down-zoning Provision eliminates the authority of a local government to adopt a zoning text amendment applicable to entire non-residential zoning districts and severely limits the authority of a local government to adopt regulations related to residential zoning districts given the time, effort, and cost ofidentifying all ofthe owners ofp parcels within such zoning districts, and the likelihood that all owners will consent to the amendment. In short, the Down-zoning Provision empowers a single property owner to override the will of a unanimous governing board, a developer, and perhaps all or a vast majority of the other property owners affected by the amendment; and WHEREAS, all North Carolina local governments continue to face planning challenges presented by growth and development. Each local government's zoning authority provides a means to balance those challenges with the needs of the particular community based upon the will of the people as determined through public engagement, and ultimately, elections. The Down-zoning Provision effectively freezes local government zoning in non-residential districts as such zoning regulations existed on June 11, 2024, and as such greatly diminishes local government authority to manage growth and change consistent with the needs of each jurisdiction; and Page 1 of2 River Bend Town Council ITEM 7 Feb. 13, 2025 Work Session Minutes Page 27 of27 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF RIVER BEND: Section 1. That the elected representatives for the Town of River Bend who serve in the North Carolina General Assembly be and they are hereby requested to introduce and secure the passage oflocal legislation to exempt the Town of River Bend from the provisions ofPart III, Subpart III-K of SB 382 SO that the original provisions of N.C.G.S. $ 160D-601(d) are restored and applicable to the Town of River Bend. Section 2. That a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Hon. Bob Brinson, member of the North Carolina Senate, and the Hon. Steve Tyson, member of the North Carolina House of Representatives. ADOPTED THIS 3 DAY OF February, 2025. MARK BLEDSOE, MAYOR no, KRISTIE NOBLES, TOWN CLERK LSS:171656 Page 2 of2 ITEM 7 River Bend Town Council Special Meeting Minutes February 25, 2025 Town Hall 5:00 p.m. Present Council Members: Mayor Mark Bledsoe Buddy Sheffield Lisa Benton Brian Leonard Kathy Noonan Jeff Weaver Town Manager: Delane Jackson Finance Director: Mandy Gilbert Police Chief: Sean Joll Town Clerk: Kristie Nobles Town Attorney: David Baxter Members of the Public Present: 7 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Bledsoe called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 25, 2025, at the River Bend Town Hall with a quorum present. VOTE = Agenda - Addition / Deletion Councilwoman Benton motioned to amend the agenda by removing item #9, Pickleball Court until the quote comes in. The motion carried unanimously. VOTE - Approval of Agenda Councilman Weaver motioned to accept the agenda as amended. The motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENTS No Public Comments CONSENT AGENDA The Mayor presented the Council with the Consent Agenda. Councilwoman Noonan moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously. Within this motion, the following items were approved: A. Approve: Minutes of the January 9, 2025 Work Council Meeting Minutes of the January 16, 2025 Regular Council Meeting TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT The Manager gave the following updates: The town currently has two RFP's for the Pickleball Court and WWTP - Phase 1. .The used BIRM media had to be tested to see if it can be disposed of at the local landfill and it has been approved for disposal there. .The mobile sign trailer was delivered last week and has to be assembled. ITEM 7 The town applied for a grant in the amount of $10,429,895 and was awarded a $3,500,000 grant and a $6,929,895 0% interest loan for Water Treatment Improvements. He stated that the town scored the highest out of all the applicants in the state. He suggested that the Council call a Special Meeting to review funding options. VOTE = Special Meeting Councilman Sheffield motioned to schedule a Special Meeting on March 11, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at Town Hall for the purpose of discussing funding options and scope of work for the town's water and sewer, projects. The motion carried unanimously. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS PUBLIC SAFETY- Councilwoman Noonan Councilwoman Noonan stated that Community Watch meets on Wednesday, February 26 at 6:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building. PARKS & RECREATION - Councilman Weaver Councilman Weaver provided the following report from the February meeting. Parks and Recreation met on February 5 and will meet again on March 5 at 6:30 at the Municipal Building. He stated that all meetings are open to the public. RIVER BEND COMMUNITY ORGANIC GARDEN Councilman Weaver gave the following report from the February meeting: RBCOG met on February 3 and will meet again on March 3 at 1:30 at the Municipal Building. He stated that all meetings are open to the public. CAC- Councilwoman Benton Councilwoman Benton gave the following report from the January meeting: Things are getting busy with the CAC advisory board following their last meeting on January 15, 2024. All members of the CAC were present, and we discussed their projects for the year, which include the Plantation Median Rejuvenation Project, CAC Sidewalk Gardens, raised flower beds, and the Veterans Memorial Garden. Maintenance for these gardens will be assigned to a committee member or volunteer each month. They also discussed the Festive Awards in detail for Independence Day, Fall Festive, and Christmas Festive Awards. It was decided to eliminate the April awards and instead hold the awards in May and June. Additionally, they will include neighborhood entrances in the award program. The Arbor Day event is set for March 22, 2025. Following the success of the Holly Trolley, Brenda will explore organizing a fall hay ride, and they hope that the Holly Trolley will turn into an annual event as it was sO well received. The board raised concerns about the Christmas globe workshop, particularly regarding the globes not being hung or stored properly by the town. The CAC will still host the star workshop for the Fourth of July celebration. Currently, they have three openings on the board and are actively seeking volunteers who want to help make River Bend even more beautiful. The next meeting is scheduled for March 19, 2025, at 4 PM in the municipal building. FINANCE - Councilman Leonard Financial Report - Finance Director, Mandy Gilbert, presented the financial statement for the month of January to the Council. She stated the total of the Town's Cash and Investments as of January 31, 2025, were $3,081,190 and Ad Valorem Tax Collections for FY24-25 were $763,011 and Vehicle Ad Valorem Tax Collections were $60,879. ITEM 7 Discussion = FY25-26 Water and Wastewater Capital Improvement Plan Resolution The Manager presented and discussed the FY25-26 Capital Improvement Plans for the water and sewer departments. He stated that he and the Public Works Director review and adjust these plans every year as part of the budget process. VOTE - FY25-26 Water and Wastewater Capital Improvement Plan Resolution Councilman Leonard motioned to approve the FY25-26 Water and Wastewater Capital Improvement Plan Resolution as presented. The motion carried unanimously. (see attached) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Councilman Sheffield moved to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 5:49 p.m. Kristie J. Nobles, MMC Town Clerk ITEM 7 River Bend Town Council Special Meeting Minutes March 11, 2025 Town Hall 4:00 p.m. Present Council Members: Mayor Mark Bledsoe Buddy Sheffield Lisa Benton Brian Leonard Kathy Noonan Jeff Weaver Town Manager: Delane Jackson Public Works Director: Brandon Mills Rivers & Associates: Greg Churchill Members of the Public Present: 9 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Bledsoe called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the River Bend Town Hall with a quorum present. Mayor Bledsoe then called on Town Manager, Delane Jackson to make a presentation. The Town Manager presented and discussed various funding sources and related details for the town's wastewater treatment plant and water treatment plant projects. After his presentation, he asked the Council for direction on which path to choose for the water treatment plant's engineering. The two options were to proceed with the originally planned project which only included a water treatment plant with a process water discharge to the town's sewer collection system at an estimated cost of $16,000,000 or proceed with a plan that included a water treatment plant and two new water wells, and a direct discharge of process water to the Trent River at an estimated cost of $19,500,000. During the presentation the Town Manager stated that when combined with the current $9,000,000 grant, the recent grant of $3,500,000 and a 0% loan of $7,000,000 could be used to fully fund the $19,500,000 option, based on current cost estimates. One variable discussed was whether or not the town wanted to take on $350,000 per year in debt service for 20 years for the loan. The Town Manager also stated that he is currently working on other grant options to eliminate or reduce the need for the loan. He also stated that he needed a consultant to help him with developing a Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA) which is required for two of the grants that he is working on. Councilwoman Benton asked the Town Manager if he knew the cost to hire someone to assist with the Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA). The Town Manager stated that he was not sure at this time, and would need to do a RFQ for the services. Councilman Sheffield stated that he is not in favor of applying a huge debt on customers. Councilman Weaver stated that he was in favor of the Water Treatment Plant with wells and feels it is better for the towns' residents. He asked if there was a timeline and the Town Manager stated that October 31, 2025, is the HMGP deadline for shovel ready projects. Councilman Weaver also asked if the town does anything with the funds that the town currently holds, would that change the BCA or the points the town currently has. The Town Manager stated that he did not think that spending the funds on other components would impact the BCA. Councilman Weaver asked if they could scale Phase I of sewer back to a smaller Phase I and the Town Manager stated that it was discussed at the prebid meeting held earlier today. Mr. Churchill stated that they are doing everything they can within reason to reduce cost as much as possible. The Mayor asked what the financial difference is between one well or ITEM 7 two and Mr. Churchill stated that it may be one million dollars. The Town Manager stated that revising the scope of work could also impact the amount of grant the town has been awarded due to the points the town received. Councilman Leonard stated that he recommends the option with the two wells. The Town Manager stated that he needs direction from the Council as to which path to take. Counciwoman Benton stated that she is for the two wells and that the old wells are in a flood zone also. She stated that it would be an increase for the town's customers, and she estimated about $200 per year per home. Councilman Leonard stated that he felt this was the best option and would like to do it right the first time as Bud Van Slyke would say. Councilman Leonard motioned to proceed with developing engineering plans for the Water Treatment Plant, including 2 new wells and a waste discharge line to the Trent River. The motion carried unanimously. Councilman Sheffield motioned to authorize the Town Manager to secure professional assistance to develop a Benefit Cost Analysis for two grants. The motion carried unanimously. The Town Manager then called on Mr. Churchill for his closing remarks. Mr. Churchill stated that he felt this was well planned and well thought-out. He commended the Council on the efforts that they are making to fund this project, because these types of opportunities do not come along that often. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Councilman Leonard moved to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m. Delane Jackson Town Manager ITEM 8 POLICE /. RIVER BEND POLICE DEPARTMIENT MONTILY ACTIVITY REPOIT 2025 ACTIVITIES 2024 2025 2025 % of Total Calls % Change December January February Last 2 Mos. 1 ALARMS / 911 UNKNOWN, / DISTURBANCE, / SHOTS FIRED (0) 9 7 5 0.28% -29.00% 2 ANIMAL COMPLAINTS 8 8 3 0.17% -63.00% 3 ARRESTS 2 2 1 0.06% -50.00% 4 ASSAULTS / ALL OTHER VIOLENT CRIME 1 1 3 0.17% 200.00% 5 ASSIST CITIZENS / LOCK OUT / QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUES 18 28 17 0.97% -39.00% 6 ASSISTE EMS / FD / FIRST RESPONDERS, /MED ASSIST 37 36 34 1.94% -6.00% 7 ASSIST MOTORISTS, / FOOT PATROLS / ALL OTHER 34 75 46 2.62% -39.00% 8 ASSIST OTHER AGENCIES 2 3 1 0.06% -67.00% 9 B8 &E EB BUSINESS / RESIDENCE / VEHICLE 0 0 2 0.11% 0.00% 10 CRIM. SUMM. / SUBPOENAS / WARRANTS / CIVIL COMPLAINT 5 10 8 0.46% -20.00% 11 DOMESTICS 1 0 0 0.00% 0.00% 12 FIRES / ALARM 0 2 1 0.06% -50.00% 13 IDENTITY1 THEFT/ /FRAUD 1 2 1 0.06% -50.00% 14 INVOLUNTARY COMMITMENTS 0 1 0 0.00% -100.00% 15 JUVENILE COMPLAINTS 1 1 1 0.06% 0.00% 16 LARCENIES 0 1 1 0.06% 0.00% 17 LITTERING 0 0 0 0.00% 0.00% 18 LOUD MUSIC/ / NOISE COMPLAINTS 1 1 0 0.00% -100.00% 19 DEATH/ / MISSING PERSON / RUNAWAY / SUICIDE(A) 0 1 4 0.23% 300.00% 20 PROPERTY DAMAGE / VANDALISM 1 3 0 0.00% -100.00% 21 RESIDENTIAL / BUSINESS CHECKS / COMMUNITY WATCH 2067 1,815 1,550 88.27% -15.00% 22 ROADWAYI DEBRIS / OBSTRUCTIONS 0 2 0 0.00% -100.00% 23 ROBBERIES 0 0 0 0.00% 0.00% 24 SOLICITING VIOLATIONS 0 0 0 0.00% 0.00% 25 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS / VEHICLES / FIELD INTERVIEW 3 5 7 0.40% 40.00% 26 TOWN ORDINANCE CITATIONS 1 0 0 0.00% 0.00% 27 TOWN ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS 2 1 2 0.11% 100.00% 28 TRAFFICA ACCIDENTS 4 1 3 0.17% 200.00% 29 TRAFFICS STOPS 110 43 25 1.42% -42.00% 30 TRAFFIC COMPLAINTS-RADAR 8 10 5 0.28% -50.00% 31 DWI 0 0 0 0.00% 0.00% 32 CHECKPOINTS 3 0 0 0.00% 0.00% 33 DRUG VIOLATIONS 1 1 0 0.00% -100.00% 34 WELFARE CHECKS 10 6 5 0.28% -17.00% 35 CASE ASSIST/ / PW / VEHICLE MAINTENANCE, / MEETING 3 16 8 0.46% -50.00% 36 CASE FOLLOW UPS / SPECIAL OPERATION, /1 TRAINING 20 14 23 1.31% 64.00% 37 TRESPASSING 1 0 0 0.00% 0.00% 38 OVERDOSE 0 0 0 0.00% 0.00% 39 TOTAL 2354 2097 1756 100.00% -16.00% Traffic Violations Community Watch Checks Phone Calls Answered (638-1108) 8 State Citations 82 100 Pirates 199 Incoming Calls 8 Total State Charges 94 100 Plantation State' Warnings 86 200 Lakemere Town Citations 95 200 Rockledge 2 Town Warnings 54 Piner Estates The data being presented int this report is a representation of the orginal call as it was dispatched. ITEM 8 Chief of Police Sean Christian Joll TOWN OF RIVER BEND 45 Shoreline Drive River Bend, NC 28562 1981 POLICE DEPARTMENT T252.638.1108 F252.636.1545 CA www.rverbendnc.org Safe Practices for Walking, Running, and Cycling on Roadways The sun is shining, and the days are getting longer. It's time to get outside to enjoy our beautiful neighborhoods and town. However, as we engage in outdoor activities, we must still be vigilant and safe while doing SO. Engaging in walking, running, and cycling on roadways requires adhering to key safety practices to reduce the risks of accidents and enhance the safety for all road users. For walkers, use sidewalks whenever available. This allows you to see oncoming traffic and take evasive steps if necessary. If no sidewalk is present, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic. Wearing bright or reflective clothing, especially in low-light conditions, further enhances safety. Pedestrians should always cross at designated crosswalks, when available and obey traffic signals. Remember, just because you can see oncoming traffic does not mean that it can see you. For runners, similar rules apply. Running facing traffic helps maintain awareness of oncoming vehicles. Staying alert by minimizing distractions, such as loud music through headphones, is essential. Runners should also wear reflective gear during early morning or late evening runs. For cyclists, riding on the right side of the road, in the same direction as traffic, is critical. Using designated bike lanes whenever possible enhances safety. Cyclists must obey all traffic signals and signs, signal their turns clearly, and stay predictable in their movements. Think of your bicycle as a vehicle. Helmets are highly recommended, and required for kids under the age of 16, and using front and rear lights during low visibility conditions improves visibility. For those of us driving vehicles, we need to know that pedestrians and cyclists have a legal right to use the roadways. We are at the controls of the equipment that can do the most damage. As such, we need to be focused (not using a phone), alert and safe when we encounter pedestrians and cyclist. Regardless of the mode of travel, staying alert, following traffic laws, and using proper safety gear can significantly reduce risks and enhance safety for all roadway users. Sean Christian Joll Chief of Police ITEM 8 Public Works Work Orders Water Resources Work Orders FY 2024-25 FY 2024-25 Painting Building Maint., 0.9% Utility Locates. 14% 39% Park/ Playground 14% Sewer Collection 10% Other 12% Sewer Treatment 9% Wetlands /. Roadway Maint. Ponds 25% 2% Tree Maint.. Trash/Litter Water Water 6% 21.7% Service Orders. Treatment Distribution Stormwater 24% 10% 8% Maint. 10% Total Work Orders - FY 2024-25 350 300 250 200 a Orders Entered 150 a Orders Closed 100 50 0 July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June ITEM 8 Water Resources - Work Orders 200 150 100 Entered EC Closed 50 H July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June Public Works - Work Orders 200 150 100 Entered 50 Closed HH July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June Printed 3/18/2025 Town of River Bend FY 2024-2025 a ITEM 8 Work Order Report Public Works YTD Pending Orders Entered July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June Building Maintenance 31 30 30 29 30 29 31 30 240 Painting 1 3 2 1 2 0 1 0 10 0 Park/Playground 35 31 33 30 31 32 30 32 254 1 Roadway Maintenance 19 17 15 13 8 11 13 15 111 U Stormwater Maintenance 10 7 12 10. 12 9 8 6 74 0 Trash/Litter 31 31 30 33 31 33 31 28 248 0 Tree Maintenance 9 8 6 5 4 2 4 8 46 2 Wetlands / Ponds 3 4 3 4 2 1 1 1 19 0 Other 11 14 16 20 22 19 20 17 139 2 TOTAL 150 145 147 145 142 136 139 137 1141 5 Orders Closed 142 139 140 138 135 131 134 132 1091 Water Resources YTD Pending Orders Entered July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June Sewer Collection 16 15 13 14 12 8 10 12 100 1 Sewer Treatment 15 14 12 11 12 10 9 10 93 0 Water Distribution 12 10 9 12 10 12 10 6 81 0 Water Treatment 13 11 10 14 13 12 15 14 102 3 Service Orders 20 18 30 35 30 35 40 30 238 0 Utility Locates 98 66 41 43 31 47 24 43 393 0 TOTAL 174 134 115 129 108 124 108 115 0 1007 4 Orders Closed 169 130 110 122 103 120 105 111 970 TOTAL July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June YTD Orders Entered 324 279 262 274 250 260 247 252 0 J 0 0 2148 Orders Closed 311 269 250 260 238 251 239 243 0 0 0 0 2061 ITEM 8 TOWN OF RIVER BEND 45 Shoreline Drive River Bend, NC 28562 T 252.638.3870 F 252.638.2580 www.verbendnc.org February 2025 Monthly Report Brandon Mills, Director of Public Works This month, Public Works focused on clearing three limbs and debris resulting from the recent ice storms. The team did an excellent job ensuring that streets remained free of obstruction and safe for travel. Additionally, crews have been performing routine maintenance, including oil changes on lawnmowers and tractors, in preparation for warmer weather and the upcoming grass mowing season. Water Resources is scheduled to begin the water media change-out in March. This project involves replacing older media in our water filters, which is expected to reduce iron and manganese levels in our finished water, ultimately improving water quality. In addition, the department completed the repair of a 34 inch water service line that was leaking near the road edge. Both departments have been actively working to maintain the infrastructure and prepare for seasonal changes to ensure continued service and safety for the community. If you have any questions concerning the Water Resources/Public Works Department, please call us at 252-638-3540, Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm. After hour's water and sewer, emergencies can be reported by dialing the Town Hall at 252-638- 3870. You will be instructed to dial "9" and follow the directions to contact the on-call duty operator. You will then be asked to enter your phone number at the sound of the tone. After entering your phone number, the automated system will inform you that your page has been sent. Please, be patient and our utility systems operator will return your call. If you do not receive a call back within ten minutes, please notify the Police Department at 252-638-1108, and they will get in contact with the on-call utility systems operator. ITEM 8 MONTHLY ZONING REPORT MONTH February YEAR 2025 Activity Monthly YTD Total Permit Applications Received 11 62 Permits Issued 11 62 Fees Collected 523.20 3830.20 Violations Noted During Weekly Patrol 7 57 Complaints Received From Citizens 1 6 Notice Of Violations Initiated 7 53 *see details below Remedial Actions Taken By Town 0 Detail Summary Address Violation Date Cited 111 Stillwater Trailer, junk 12-Feb 103 Teakwood ATV, trailer 12-Feb 102 Knotline Trailer 12-Feb 103 Knotline Boat 12-Feb 108 Knotline Trailer 12-Feb 113 Norbury Trailer 12-Feb 133 Wildwood Debris; health and safety 18-Feb : B ITEM 9 River Bend Community Organic Garden (RBCOG) Monthly Report for Town Council - 3/3/25 February Activity Gardeners worked forty-five hours in February. The Annual Report was sent to Town Council, Parks & Recreation and other agencies. Spring planting started. It will continue through May. A spring plant sale is scheduled for Saturday, April 26 from 8 am to 1 pm. Plants, garden crafts and baked goods will be available. Garden tours will be offered. Community Watch will provide traffic control and parking directions. The next meeting is scheduled for April 7, 2025 at 1:30 pm in the Municipal building. Guests are always welcome at the meetings and in the garden.. bjm-3/6/25 ITEM 10 TOWN OF RIVER BEND 45 Shoreline Drive River Bend, NC 28562 981 T 252.638.3870 F 252.638.2580 www.riverbendnc.org PROCLAMATION FOR ARBOR DAY WHEREAS, in 1872, J.Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees, and WHEREAS, this holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the planting of more than ai million trees in Nebraska, and WHEREAS, Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world, and WHEREAS, trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce life-giving oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife, and WHEREAS, trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires and countless other wood products, and WHEREAS, trees in our town increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community, and WHEREAS, trees, wherever they are planted, are a source ofjoy and spiritual renewal. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mark Bledsoe, Mayor of the Town of River Bend, do hereby proclaim March 21, 2025 as Arbor Day in the Town of River Bend, and I urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands, and FURTHER, I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations. HEREUNTO, I set my hand and cause the Seal ofthe Town of River Bend to be affixed this 20th day of March, 2025. Mark Bledsoe Mayor Attest: Kristie J. Nobles, MMC, NCCMC Town Clerk ITEM 10 . Arbor Day Celebration The Tow o& Rwe Bend & The Commiily Appeanance Comminbion Saturday, March 22, 2025 9:00 am - 12:00pm Municipal Building - 51 Shoreline Drive 0) 0) NTree Planting 0) Bird HouseBuilding - Presentations ITEM 10 N.C Forest Service - North Carolina's Arbor Day In 1967 the state legislature ratified a bill stating inj part, Whereas, it is desirable that the planting of seedlings andi flowering shrubs be encouraged to promote the beautification and conservation of the vast and varied resources ofNorth Carolina, and whereas the designation ofap particular daye each year as Arbor Day would encourage. ando drawa attention toa concerted effort by North Carolinians to beautify and conserve the. state 's resources by planting) young trees and shrubs.' " Arbor Day in North Carolina was designated as the first Friday following March. 15. First Friday after March 15 Over the next few) years Arbor Dayi in North Carolina will be on the following dates: 2023 - March 17 2024- - March 22 2025-M March21 2026- - March 21 2027- - March 18 Arbor Dayi in any localityo can be on any dayt that is chosen. Many communities choose to have an Arbor Day celebration in springtime, but ify you want to plant trees, a fall Arbor Dayi is a good choice. The generally mild winters allow newly planted trees to become established in advance of the next year's hot spring and summer weather, improving survival. All across the state, communities, schools and individuals are celebrating Arbor Day in unique and exciting ways. Manyo communities have a celebration that involves the planting of a new tree on public grounds. Some places combine. Arbor Day and Earth Day celebrations together. Others have incorporated Arbor Day as part of a larger community festival. The main point to remember is that Arbor Dayi is a day to recognize the benefits that trees give to our communities. Some towns have certified arborists from their community staff on hand at their Arbor Day celebration to answer tree questions. Related Content Thek History of Arbor Day CelebrateA Arbor Day. Arbor Day_Giveaway This page was last modified on 03/14/2025 ITEM 11 Town of River Bend OF RIVER 6 1981 L - TE EOISS Monthly Financial Report Printed 3/17/2025 ITEM 11 This monthly report is provided as an Oversgnt/management tool for the Town Council ofthe Town of River Bend. For ease ofreporting, and in order to be consistent with the categories used in the annual budget process, this reportsummarizes the revenue and expenses in each ofthe three operational areas ofthe Town. Anyone interested in more detail, or further explanation ofthe contents ofthis report, is encouraged to contact Finance Officer Mandy Gilbert. Notes The cash balances shown on page one are the amount of cash in each specific accounting fund. These funds are deposited in separate investment accounts. Pooled cash accounts used for operating funds but accounted for, in our internal systems, as individual accounts. Interest attributable to each account is allocated based upon the total rate of return of the account(s). The FY Budget columns represents the original and current budget. As the fiscal year goes on and unforeseen expenses or revenues occur, we need to adjust the budget. The Council does this by formal amendment during a Council meeting. *Asterisked lines represent those budget items that have been amended since adoption. Because this is an annual budget, it is important to note that many lines shown in this report will vary, some significantly, from month to month, and in different times of the year. In many instances, capital payments for current fiscal year projects are made early in the fiscal year and the majority of our ad valorem tax receipts occur in the middle of the fiscal year. This is another reason to maintain an adequate fund balance. Town of River Bend Financial Dashboard Visit our web site tp/www.rverpendncorg/Imance.htm: to view the Financial Dashboard. These dashboards are designed to give the user a quick overview of the status of revenues and expenditures in each ofthe Town's three major funds as reported in the Monthly Financial Report. Printed 3/17/2025 Printed 3/17/2025 Town of River Bend Financial Report ITEM 11 Fund Cash Balances Fiscal Year 2024 2025 Cash Balances July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June General Fund* 1,228,219 1,093,672 1,165,107 1,151,955 1,060,936 1,497,909 1,455,934 1,549,270 2Powell Bill 54,542 54.542 54,543 109,085 109,086 109,087 3General Capital Reserve 115,788 116,301 116,786 117,258 117,701 118,147 118,578 118,966 4 Stormwater AIA Project (60,000) (60,000) 5_Law Enforcement Separation Allowance 51,855 52,085 52,302 52,514 52,712 52,912 53,105 53,279 6 Water Fund" 537,780 572,687 566,785 600,153 592,353 617,104 557,862 599,300 7Water Capital Reserve Fund 21,363 21,458 21,547 21,634 21,716 21,798 21,878 21,949 8Water AIA Grant Project 9Water Treatment Plant Capital Project (170,926) (171,566) (171,566) (171,566) (171,566) (171,566) (1,966) (1,966) 10Water Treatment Improvement Project (5.000) (5,000) 11 Sewer Fund* 755,848 780,999] 774,165 808,717 786,280 810,678 807,209 843,695 12Sewer Capital Reserve Fund 25,108 25,220 25,325 25,427 25,523 25,620 25,714 25,798 13Sewer AIA Grant Project - 14WWTP Capital Projects Fund (1,088) 20,039 (1.770) (1.770) (1.770) (1,088) (1,208) (1,208) Total Cash and Investments 2,563,947 2,510,894 2,603,222 2,658,865 2,538,429 3,080,599 3,081,190 3,253,170 Truist Cash Accounts 256,552 193,268 370,279 416,883 287,988 508,591 386,355 356,464 U 0 0 0 *These operating funds have equityi in the Truist pooled accounts. In order to obtain more favorable interest rates, the Town deposits funds in the North Carolina Capital Management Trust. We move funds between our cash Cash accounts and these investment accounts to accommodate cash flow for our payables and as revenues are received in order to maintain an adequate amount of 11%/ cash for operational needs while attempting to minimize bank fees and maximize interest revenue. Based upon historical cash flow and current encumbrances, our staff anticipates the level of cash needed to meet our obligations without having to make an inordinate number of transfers between accounts. On the table above, the term cash includes those funds we hold in accounts in our designated banking institution (currently Truist). We have two accounts with Investments Truist, a Money Market account that pays a competitive rate of interest, and an operating (checking) account from and to which we make all regular payments and 89% deposits. The table below shows the balances of each fund account we have in NCCMT at the end oft the month. The chart tot the right shows how our funds are apportioned between operating cash and investments. Investments in NCCMT July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June 1 General Fund 1,084,896 1,012,596 961,623 904.499 941,933 1.214,956 1,293.414 1,402,664 2Powell Bill - 3 Capital Reserve (General Fund) 115,788 116,301 116,786 117,258 117,701 118,147 118,578 118,966 4 Law Enforcement Separation Allowance 51,855 52,085 52,302 52,514 52,712 52,912 53,105 53,279 5Water Fund 395,194 436,003 422,763 456,482 450,200 472,445 465,562 514,103 6Water Capital Reserve Fund 21,363 21,458 21,547 21,634 21,716 21,798 21,878 21,949 7 Sewer Fund 613,190 653,963 632,598 664,166 640,656 666,128 716,585 759,946 8Sewer Capital Reserve Fund 25,108 25,220 25,325 25,427 25,523 25,620 25,714 25,798 Total Investments 2,307,395 2.317,626 2,232,944 2,241,982 2,250,441 2,572,007 2,694.835 2,896,706 0 U U Printed 3/17/2025 Town of River Bend Financial Report ITEM 11 General Fund Fiscal Year 2024 2025 Revenue Fiscal Year Budget July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June FYto Date PY Original Current Total %E Budget % Budget 1Ad Valorem Taxes 980,165 980,165 1,662 13,208 80.104 46.254 41,318 496,514 83,952 181.728 944.739 96.4% 102.0% 2/Ad Valorem Taxes -Vehicle 104,400 104,400 - 13,648 11,069 9,342 - 16,937 9,882 9,584 70,463 3 67.5% 70.8% Animal Licenses 1,500 1,500 70 40 10 40 120 610 540 1,430 95.3% 60.7% 4Local Gov/t Sales Tax* 431,000 445,312 36,474 45,078 47,502 43,360 43,911 36,212 40,238 44,829 337,604 75.8% 67.6% 5Hold Harmless Distribution 112,233 112,233 8,770 11,635 12.469 11,720 11,508 11,126 11,539 11,666 90,432 80.6% 71.8% 6Solid Waste Disposal Tax 2,200 2,200 - 542 576 548 1,665 75.7% 79.2% 7/Powell BiFundAppropiation 0.0% 0.0% 8Powell Bill Allocation 101,000 101,000 - 54,542 - 54,542 - 109,083 108.0% 100.0% 9Beer&WineTax 13,225 13,225 0.0% 0.0% 10Video Programming Tax 47,041 47,041 - - 11,349 - 12,247 - 23.595 50.2% 48.9% 11 Utilities Franchise Tax 116.156 116,156 25.708 - 37,370 - 63,078 54.3% 47.7% 12 Telecommunications Tax 6,779 6,779 - - 1,683 - - 1,900 - 3,583 52.8% 56.6% 13 Court Cost Fees 500 500 27 45 68 68 27 29 27 14 303 60.6% 69.2% 14/Zoning Permits 7,000 7,000 222 108 571 1,575 362 272 182 519 3,812 54.5% 94.6% 15_Federal Grants* 23,364 6,185 6,185 26.5% 0.0% 16/State Grants - - - - - - - - - - - 0.0% 0.0% 17 Federal DisasterA Assistance - - - 0.0% #DIV/OI 18/State Disaster Assistance - - - 0.0% 0.0% 19Miscellaneous 15,000 15,000 358 971 85 72 1,795 360 542 1,472 5,655 37.7% 43.8% 20 Insurance Settlements - - - - - 2.916 - - 2,916 #DIVOI #DIM/OI Interest Powell Bill 50 50 0 0 0 0 1 3 6.5% 0.7% 22 Interest -Investments 44,533 44,533 5,087 4,701 4,027 3,878 3,434 4,023 4,460 4,250 33,859 23 76.0% 162.7% Contributions 900 900 660 9 668 74.3% 71.1% 24Wildwood Storage Rents 18,144 18,144 1,610 1,636 1,627 1,638 1,617 1,623 1,617 1,617 12,985 71.6% 73.7% Rents & Concessions 18,000 18,000 2,020 1,640 1.720 1,680 1,760 1,960 2,100 1,860 14.740 81.9% 77.2% 26_Sale of Capital Assets - - - - - 0.0% 100.0% 27/Sales Tax Refund Revenue 0.0% 0.0% 28/Trans. from Capital Reserve 72,650 72,650 72,650 - - - - 72,650 100.0% 100.0% 29Trans. fromLESA Fund - - 0.0% 0.0% 31/Appropriated Fund Balance" 321,524 325,155 - - 0.0% 0.0% Total 2,414,000 2,455,307 129,610 99,437 252,534 122,552 106,428 675,114 155,148 258,628 0 0 0 0 1,799,450 73.3% 77.7% *Astericked lines represent those budget items that have been amended since Original Budget adoption. #DIV/O! indicates revenue was received, but not budgeted for this line item. Printed 3/17/2025 Town of River Bend Financial Report General Fund Fiscal Year 2024 2025 ITEM 11 Expenditures Fiscal Year Budget July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June FYto Date PY Original Current Total % Exp % Exp 1Governing Body 69,500 69,500 7.551 (873) 4,376 (828) 842 13,839 (236) 14.697 39,369 56.6% 34.5% 2/Administration 331,200 331,200 39,126 20,193 29,687 33,340 18,898 43,116 18,970 19.734 223,066 67.4% 67.9% 3Finance* 156,500 148,972 15.912 9,092 11,561 20,553 10,088 9,931 9,756 9,247 96.140 64.5% 72.1% 4Taxl Listing 14,700 14,700 468 1,060 693 413 4,403 2,064 2,048 11,148 75.8% 85.2% 5Legal Services 49,000 49,000 814 2.224 2,375 1,733 1.430 1,671 869 3,361 14.476 29.5% 60.9% 6'Elections 600 600 - 491 491 81.8% 0.0% Public Buildings" 108,000 84,500 9,610 12.214 6,725 7,021 3,055 3.949 4,657 4,841 52.071 61.6% 55.6% 8/Police* 840,800 867,795 67,932 101,919 51.735 114,025 53,610 72,469 73.619 53,821 589,130 67.9% 56.6% 9 Emergency Management 5,800 5,800 2,100 16 16 1,386 343 16 16 61 3,954 68.2% 97.8% 10/Animal Control" 18,000 22,555 1,894 1,409 1,579 2,410 1,540 1,367 1,398 1,391 12,987 57.6% 61.1% 11 Street Maintenance" 235,000 246,385 11.075 10.421 3,958 8.700 3.890 4.157 5,103 3.691 50,995 20.7% 81.8% 12/Public Works* 203,000 218,738 17,632 16.147 16,282 24,162 16.134 16,422 15,757 16,699 139,236 63.7% 65.3% 13Leaf& Limb. Solid Waste 87,500 87,500 8.766 6,538 8,713 1,649 296 20.709 10,206 5.578 62,455 71.4% 80.9% 14/Stormwater Management" 51,200 58,031 2,856 2,149 2,403 3,465 2,826 2,050 11,847 2,086 29,681 51.1% 37.3% 15Waterways & Wetlands 2,900 2,900 50 9 140 134 41 375 12.9% 0.9% 16/Planning & Zoning 60,000 60,000 5,520 3,826 3,834 6,794 3,906 3,795 3,868 3,869 35.412 59.0% 61.2% 17/Recreation: & Special Events 11,000 11,000 856 520 58 115 695 253 175 2,672 24.3% 29.9% 18/Parks* 59,500 66,331 3,912 3,314 3,237 4,443 3,434 3,824 3,855 2,608 28,628 43.2% 60.0% 19/Transfers 86,757 86,757 86.757 86.757 100.0% 100.0% 20Contingency 23,043 23,043 0.0% 0.0% Total 2.414.000 2,455,307 282,363 189,058 148,069 229,746 120,821 202,412 162,628 143,948 0 0 0 0 1,479,044 60.2% 64.0% Capital I Debt Fiscal Year Budget July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June FYt to Date (included above) Original Current Total % Exp 1Capital Outlay" 264,754 255,254 47.434 47,434 94.869 37.2% 2/Debt Service - Principle 0.0% 3Debt Service-Interest 0.0% *Astericked lines represent those budget departments that have been amended since Original Budget adoption. Printed: 3/17/2025 Town of River Bend Financial Report Water Fund Fiscal Year 2024 2025 ITEM 11 Revenue Fiscal Year Budget July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June FY1 to Date PY Original Current Total % Col % Col Base Charge 280,228 280,228 46,614 283 46,827 378 46,585 198 46,881 164 187,931 67.1% 66.9% Consumption 238,040 238,040 47,308 167 42,159 110 38,260 68 41,581 73 169,725 71.3% 67.7% Other, incl. transfers 23,784 23,784 1,836 6,170 1,760 5,887 8,261 4,733 1,982 6,627 37,257 156.6% 158.8% Hydrant Fee 19,215 19,215 19,215 (153) (262) - (104) - (66) 18,629 97.0% * 100.9% Appropriated Fund Bal. 92,733 155,139 0.0% 0.0% Total 654,000 716,406 114,973 6,467 90,746 6,114 93,106 4,894 90,444 6,797 0 0 0 0 413,542 57.7% 71.7% Expenses Fiscal Year Budget July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June FY to Date PY Original Current Total % Exp % Exp Admin & Finance* 507,000 495,618 46,288 26,810 26,486 35,116 31,657 35,178 25,491 25,572 252,598 51.0% 48.8% Supply & Treatment" 69,000 142,788 5,092 3,683 6,240 4,984 2,979 8,142 60,390 3,424 94,936 66.5% 34.2% Distribution 58,000 58,000 31,698 174 715 118 292 829 997 412 35,235 60.7% 80.8% Transfers / Contingency 20,000 20,000 20,000 - - - - - 20,000 100.0% 0.0% Total 654,000 716,406 103,079 30,667 33,442 40,218 34,928 44,149 86,878 29,408 0 0 0 0 402,769 56.2% 47.7% Capital Fiscal Year Budget July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June FYto Date (included above) Original Current Total % Exp Capital Outlay" 2,500 73,500 - - - - - - 54,432 - 54,432 74.1% Cash Balances July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June Water Fund 537,780 572,687 566,785 600,153 592,353 617,104 557,862 599,300 Water Capital Reserve Fund 21,363 21,458 21,547 21,634 21,716 21,798 21,878 21,949 Water Produced July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June FY to Date Limit Total Gallons 9,722,000 8,194,000 8,904,000 11,510,000 9,999,000 10,160,000 9,738,000 8,394,000 76,621,000 Average daily gallons 925,000* 313,613 264,323 296,800 371,290 333,300 327,742 314,129 289,448 o 0 0 0 * 313,831 This is the permitted daily limit. Printed 3/17/2025 Town of River Bend ITEM 11 Financial Report Sewer Fund Fiscal Year 2024 2025 Revenue Fiscal Year Budget July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June FY to Date PY Original Current Total % Col %Col Base Charge 297,179 297,179 49,204 353 49,504 447 49,146 314 49,433 225 198,625 66.8% 66.9% Consumption 337,525 337,525 61,256 279 57,924 158 53,071 149 58,439 93 231,369 68.5% 65.1% Other, incl. transfers 18,261 18,261 2,806 4,143 2,635 4,883 2,522 3,814 2,456 3,619 26,878 147.2% 192.5% Appropriated Fund Bal." * 67,035 58,441 - - - - 0.0% 0.0% Total 720,000 711,406 113,266 4,775 110,062 5,488 104,739 4,277 110,328 3,937 0 0 0 0 456,872 64.2% 76.2% Expenses Fiscal Year Budget July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June FY to Date PY Original Current Total % Exp %E Exp Admin & Finance" 502,000 490,618 51,282 26,849 27,922 36,659 31,393 41,192 27,994 27,145 270,435 55.1% 52.1% Collection* 58,000 55,788 5,560 3,189 2,563 3,754 2,865 1,050 1,908 1,914 22,803 40.9% 53.0% Treatment 135,000 135,000 5,990 5,886 12,789 8,975 15,557 8,261 6,471 12,244 76,173 56.4% 61.1% Transfers / Contingency" 25,000 30,000 25,000 - - 25,000 83.3% 0.0% Total 720,000 711,406 87,832 35,924 43,274 49,389 49,815 50,502 36,373 41,302 0 0 0 0 394,412 55.4% 53.6% Capital Fiscal Year Budget July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June FY to Date (included above) Original Current Total % Exp Capital Outlay 2,500 2,500 - - - - - - - - 0.0% Cash Balances July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June Sewer Fund 755,848 780,999 774,165 808,717 786,280 810,678 807,209 843,695 Sewer Capital Reserve Fund 25,108 25,220 25,325 25,427 25,523 25,620 25,714 25,798 Wastewater July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June FY to Date Treated Limit Total Gallons 2,885,000 3,420,000 3,032,000 3,286,000 3,269,000 3,424,000 3,505,000 2,682,000 25,503,000 Average daily gallons 330,000* 93,065 110,323 101,067 106,000 108,967 110,452 113,065 92,483 0 0 o o 104,427 * This is the permitted daily limit. ITEM 11 RESOLUTION BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF RIVER BEND, NORTH CAROLINA Adopting the Town of River Bend's Water Supply Study WHEREAS, The Town of River Bend has made a comprehensive effort to evaluate potential water supply and treatment options to determine the most secure and cost-effective alternative to serve the Town for the future, and WHEREAS, The applicable information and evaluation has been compiled into a single document entitled "Water Supply Study for Town of River Bend, North Carolina" dated September 27, 2024, and WHEREAS, The Water Supply Study was presented to the Town Council of River Bend during the regular Council meeting held on March 20, 2025 for Council members' review, comment and adoption. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF RIVER BEND That the Water Supply Study for the Town of River Bend, North Carolina is hereby adopted this date by the Town Council of the Town of River Bend. ADOPTED, this the 20th day of March, 2025 at River Bend, North Carolina. Mark Bledsoe, Mayor (Seal) Kristie J. Nobles, NCCMC, MMC, Town Clerk ITEM 11 Water Supply Study for a 931 5 CAROP Town ofRiver Bend, North Carolina September 2024 Prepared by: RIVERS & ASSOCIATES, INC. Greenville, North Carolina SEAL SEAL 056546 16744 SN 4 NEER IA Gaose J. ina , Aouy Kom Lony Churchill,P.E. Kevin D. Cooper, B.E. President Project Engineer Date: 9-27-24 Date: $-37-4 from 449 Excerpts document page ITEM 11 River Bend Water Supply Study September, 2024 TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary 1 INTRODUCTION 11 I. PROJECT NEED 11 A. Background. 11 B. Existing Water System 11 1. Current Aquifer and Wells. 11 2. Existing Water Treatment Plants 12 3. Current Waste Handling. 14 4. Existing Distribution System 14 II. PRESENT AND FUTURE WATER DEMANDS 14 A. Current Population and Demand. 14 B. Current Supply 16 C. Future Needs 16 III. POTENTIAL RA W WATER AQUIFERS. 16 A. NCDEQ DWR Public Water Supply Section 16 B. Preliminary Hydrogeologic Evaluation 16 C. Hydrogeologic Setting 17 D. Existing Groundwater Utilization 19 1. Town of River Bend:. 19 2. City of New Bern: 21 3. Jones County Regional Water Treatment Plant: 22 4. Craven County Water Department:. 23 E. Available Groundwater Resources in the Town of River Bend. 24 1. Existing Castle Hayne Formation/River Bend Strata:. 24 2. Lower Castle Hayne Formation/Comfort Member: 25 3. Beaufort Formation:. 25 4. Recommended Aquifer: 25 F. Potential Well Locations in the Town of River Bend: 26 1. New WTP Site: 26 2. Town Commons:. 26 3. Rocky Run: 27 : 1 ITEM 11 River Bend Water Supply Study September, 2024 4. Proposed Aare Creek Community Subdivision Town Park:. 27 G. Construction Cost Estimate - New In-Town LCHA Wellfield to Serve New WTP: 27 H. Bulk Water Supply Options: 30 IV. IN-TOWN WATER TREATMENT ALTERNATIVES. 30 A. Filter/Softener (F/S) WTP. 30 1. Greensand/Greensand Plus Filtration. 30 2. Ion Exchange (IE) Softening. 31 3. Chemical Addition 31 B. Nanofiltration WTP 32 1. Nanofiltration (NF) Membranes 32 2. Chemical Addition. 32 C. Potential In-Town WTP Location. 32 D. Construction Cost Estimates - New In-Town Water Treatment Alternatives 34 1. North Carolina Special Appropriation 34 2. Construction Cost Estimate - New Filter Softener WTP 34 3. Construction Cost Estimate - New Nanofiltration WTP 35 V. IN TOWN WTP WASTE TREATMENTDISCHARGE ALTERNATIVES 36 A. Current WTP Backwash Waste Treatment 36 1. Existing Backwash Waste Treatment. 36 2. Existing NPDES Discharge Locations. 36 B. Proposed Waste Treatment and Disposal.. 37 1. Filter/Softener WTP Backwash Waste.. 37 2. Nanofiltration WTP Waste Concentrate 37 C. Existing Sanitary Sewer Collection System.. 38 D. WTP Waste Discharge into Plantation Canal 38 E. Combined WTP/WWTP Waste Discharge Diffuser into Trent River 39 F. Construction Cost Estimates for In-Town WTP Waste Discharge Alternatives. 40 1. Construction Cost Estimate Discharge to Existing Sanitary Sewer Collection System... 40 2. Construction Cost Estimate Discharge to Plantation Canal 41 3. Construction Cost Estimate - Combined WTP/WWTP Discharge Diffuser into Trent River 43 VI. SELECTION OF AN IN-TOWN WTP ALTERNATIVE 45 ii ITEM 11 River Bend Water Supply Study September, 2024 A. Monetary Factors (Present Value of Costs Analysis) 45 1. Total Estimated Filter Softener WTP Project Costs 45 2. Total Estimated Nanofiltration WTP Project Costs 50 3. Computation of Estimated Future Salvage Values 53 4. Net Present Value of Costs Summary: In-Town WTP Alternatives 55 B. Non-Monetary Factors. 56 A. Aquifer Sustainability: 56 I. Filter/Softener WTP: 57 2. Nanofiltration WTP: 57 B. Treatability: 57 1. Filter/Softener WTP:. 57 2. Nanofiltration WTP: 58 C. Residual Waste Treatment and Disposal/NPDES Permitting: 58 1. Filter/Softener WTP:. 58 2. Nanofiltration WTP: 59 D. Disinfection Byproducts Requirements: 60 1. Filter/Softener WTP:. 60 2. Nanofiltration WTP: 60 E. Land Requirements: 60 1. Filter/Softener WTP:. 60 2. Nanofiltration WTP: 61 F. Study Vulnerabilities: 61 1. Filter Softener WTP: 62 2. Nanofiltration WTP: 62 G. Envirommenta/Permiting Concerns:. 62 1. Filter Softener WTP:. 62 2. Nanofiltration WTP: 63 H. Ease of Operation:. 63 1. Filter Softener WTP: 63 2. Nanofiltration WTP: 63 I. Social Impact: 63 1. Filter Softener WTP: 63 111 ITEM 11 River Bend Water Supply Study September, 2024 2. Nanofiltration WTP: 64 J. Non-monetary Factor Summary: 64 K. Decision Matrix: 65 VII. BULK WATER ALTERNATIVES & TRANSMISSION REQUIREMENTS 66 A. Town of River Bend Residual User Charge Rate Requirements 67 B. City of] New Bern. 70 1. Emergency Interconnect 70 2. Bulk Water Supply User Charge. 71 C. Craven County Water Department.. 76 D. Jones County Regional Water System 77 E. Bulk Water Supply Alternatives Summary. 77 F. Bulk Water Supply Pros and Cons.. 78 1. Pros 78 2. Cons 78 VIII. RECOMMENDATIONS 78 IX. POTENTIAL RATE IMPACT 83 X. POTENTIAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES 85 A. Potential Funding Options for Water Utility Improvements: 85 B. Drinking Water State Revolving Fund:. 86 C. Commercial Revenue Bonds:. 86 D. USDA-RD, Environmental Water/Waste Program: 86 E. Commercial General Obligation Bonds. 87 Appendices A Existing Water Distribution System B Photo Log C WTP NPDES Permit NC 0086797 D 2023 Local Water Supply Plan E GMA Inc. "Evaluation of Groundwater Resources near River Bend Water System" F NCDEQ DWR PWSS Public Water System Inspection G 15A NCAC 18C.0203 Public Well Water Supply Requirements H Potential Production Well Sites iv ITEM 11 River Bend Water Supply Study September, 2024 I Filter Softener WTP Process Schematic Filter Softener WTP Conceptual Site Plan Filter Softener WTP Conceptual Building Plan J Nanofiltration WTP Process Schematic Nanofiltration WTP Conceptual Site Plan Nanofiltration WTP Conceptual Building Plan K Land Acquisition Site Evaluation Report (LASER) Phase I Environmental Assessment L Craven County Tax Parcel Map M NCDEQ DWI Revised Letter of Intent to Fund (LOIF) N NPDES Fact Sheet 2023 Renewal Permit NC0086797 0 2023 NPDES Permit NC0030406 P New Bern - River Bend Conceptual Plan - Emergency Water Interconnect Interlocal Agreement O City ofl New Bern Water Rates Schedule R New Bern - River. Bend Conceptual Plan - Bulk Water Supply Interconnect V ITEM 11 River Bend Water Supply Study September, 2024 TOWN OF RIVER BEND WATER SUPPLY STUDY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY On January 12, 2024, Rivers & Associates, Inc. (Rivers) was authorized by the Town of River Bend to conduct a Water Supply Study to evaluate potential water supply and treatment alternatives in order to provide a secure and cost-effective future water supply. Background: The Town of River Bend was originally developed as a retirement community known as River Bend Plantation. Construction of the development began in the late 1960's s, and continued to expand in subsequent years. The residents of River Bend Plantation elected to incorporate in the late 1970's, and the Town was chartered in 1981. The water and sanitary sewer utilities were originally sold by the developer to Carolina Water Service which operated them until 1995. At that time, the Town purchased the water and sanitary sewer systems, and has operated them as public utilities ever since. The Town has provided routine maintenance and has performed periodic upgrades, such as installation of the 300,000-gallon elevated storage tank at the southern terminus of Plantation Drive. However, the bulk of the water supply and treatment system has outlived its useful service life as most of the facilities and equipment are 36 - 52 years old. The condition of the facilities requires that they be rehabilitated or replaced. Purpose: This Water Supply Study is intended to evaluate potential water supply and treatment options to determine and recommend the most secure and cost-effective alternative to serve the Town for the future. Future Capacity: Historical population and water demand data were evaluated to identify trends in the River Bend and Craven County area in order to develop 20-year population and demand projections. The results supported only modest growth of approximately 3% per decade. As such, the current 0.95 MGD cumulative capacity oft the existing two (2) water treatment plants (WTPs) appears sufficient to meet the 20-year maximum day demand. Given this, 0.95 MGD capacity was utilized as the basis for evaluating and estimating costs for the various alternatives considered. Preliminary Hydrogeological Findings: Rivers contracted with Groundwater Management Associates, Inc. (GMA) to conduct a preliminary hydrogeologic evaluation as a planning-level summary of available groundwater resources in the River Bend area. As a result of their efforts, two (2) freshwater aquifers are believed to be suitable for future use to meet the projected raw water-supply requirements for the Town of River Bend: (1) the Upper Castle Hayne Aquifer (UCHA)/River Bend Strata, and (2) the underlying Lower Castle Hayne Aquifer (LCHA)/Comfort Member. Upper Castle Hayne Aquifer/River Bend Strata - The Town's existing three (3) production wells tap into the UCHA/River Bend Strata. These wells are relatively shallow at 110 feet deep, and have limited yields due to minimal drawdown capability. Individual yields ofthese shallow wells average less than 250 gallons per minute (gpm). In addition, the water-quality 1 ITEM 11 River Bend Water Supply Study September, 2024 tends to be high in iron, manganese and hardness. The Town of River Bend is the only municipal water system in the local area that utilizes the River Bend strata. Due to its shallow depth, this aquifer is much more susceptible to contamination than the LCHA. Treatment is required in order to produce a potable quality drinking water. Although the Upper Castle Hayne/River Bend Strata could be utilized as a future water supply for the Town of River, a better alternative is believed to exist. Lower Castle Hayne Aquifer/Comfort Member - The LCHA/Comfort Member produces greater yields averaging on the order of 500 - 1,000 gpm due to the greater depth and available drawdown. Historically, aquifer testing has shown that groundwater sampled from the Lower Castle Hayne Aquifer exhibits superior water quality to that contained in the shallower Upper Castle Hayne Aquifer at a similar geographic location. As such, the water-quality ofLower Castle Hayne water is anticipated to be superior to that of the River Bend Strata expressed in the form of lower iron and reduced hardness. However, the aquifer can exhibit significant variability across the area. Treatment is required in order to produce potable quality drinking water. Both the City of New Bern and Jones County utilize the LCHA/Comfort Member to supply their individual Filter Softener WTPs. Ifthe Town pursues development of a new Water Treatment Plant, GMA and Rivers recommend the Town pursue the Lower Castle Hayne/Comfort Member as the water supply source based on our evaluation of available groundwater resources in the River Bend area. Two (2) 380 gpm production wells are recommended to supply a 0.95 MGD WTP. These recommendations are based on anticipated water-quality and water quantity estimates that must be validated through test well evaluation. Four (4) potential locations were preliminarily considered for siting the two (2) production wells. The two locations that appear most suitable are (1) the new WTP site and (2) the Town Commons. Both sites will require a site investigation and approval by NCDEQ Public Water Supply Section (PWSS) staff prior to drilling of a test well and/or a production well. In-Town WTP Alternatives: Two (2) In-Town WTP alternatives were evaluated to provide treatment of fresh groundwater: (1) Filter Softener WTP and (2) Nanofiltration WTP. Filter Softener WTP - This alternative makes use of greensand filters and ion exchange softeners. During treatment, as water passes through a greensand filter, soluble iron and manganese are pulled from solution and later react to form insoluble iron and manganese. Regular backwashing, as recommended by the manufacturer, is required to remove the insoluble forms ofiron and manganese. In addition, the greensand filter must be regenerated continuously with potassium permanganate. Most greensand filters are rated to be effective treating water with iron concentrations up to 10 mg/l. Ifthe pH ofthe water is lower than 6.8, greensand will not filter out the iron and manganese adequately, and the pH must be raised prior to filtration. Regular backwashing is essential to remove particles collected in the filter and to ensure effective filter performance. Backwash flow rates are typically three to four times the normal usage rate. 2 ITEM 11 River Bend Water Supply Study September, 2024 Ion exchange softening is used to reduce the hardness associated with raw water such as that from the Castle Hayne aquifer. During water treatment, the ion exchange resin removes hardness ions, i.e. calcium and magnesium from the water, and replaces them with non- hardness ions, typically sodium. A brine solution is utilized to periodically regenerate the resin to flush out excess hardness ions. This results in a brackish waste discharge from the WTP. Some raw waters that have lower amounts of iron and manganese can be treated by ion exchange softening only, because dissolved iron and manganese can be exchanged for sodium on the anionic exchange resin or zeolite. The process of iron and manganese removal is the same as the ion exchange process that remoyes hardness. In the case ofthe Castle Hayne Aquifer, ion exchange softening would not be typically used without first reducing iron and manganese via filtration due to the concentrations normally present in the raw water. The use of ion exchange softening would eliminate the need for each customer to provide and maintain a residential water softener. A greensand filter system followed by cationic softening would make for a high-quality water that is capable of consistently meeting secondary limits. A similar water treatment process is utilized by the City of New Bern and Jones County. Nanofiltration WTP - This process makes use of partially permeable membranes to separate contaminants at a molecular level from a fresh water supply. Nanofiltration membranes are capable of removing organics, soluble iron, manganese, hardness and other contaminants, and produce a very high-quality drinking water. For a nanofiltration WTP, it is necessary to keep chemical contaminants in a soluble form to prevent membrane fouling and to accommodate separation of the contaminant concentrate from the permeate. As such, submersible well pumps are typically utilized to minimize oxidation and precipitation of iron and manganese. A new water treatment plant building would house the nanofiltration pumps, cartridge filters, membrane skids, clean-in-pace system, chemical feed systems, and electrical gear. However, if iron concentration is too high, iron pre-filters may be required in lieu of cartridge filters. The use ofi iron pre-filters is similar to the filtration process described previously, and can contribute significantly to the cost of a nanofiltration WTP. The capital costs associated with construction of a Filter Softener WTP are approximately 25% lower than that of a comparably sized Nanofiltration WTP. However, Nanofiltration costs can increase significantly if iron pre-filters are required. In-Town WTP Waste Treatment/Discharge Alternatives: The filter backwash and softener regeneration waste from the F/S WTP requires further treatment since precipitated iron and manganese are present. Dual geomembrane-lined settling ponds are recommended for quiescent settling ofthe precipitates prior to pumping the supernatant to the selected discharge location. The waste concentrate from a Nanofiltration WTP, rather, is in soluble form. It can be pumped directly from the WTP to the selected discharge location. Three (3) alternatives were evaluated for 3 ITEM 11 River Bend Water Supply Study September, 2024 treatment and disposal of the waste from each of the WTP alternatives: (1) the existing sanitary sewer collection system, (2) Plantation Canal, and (3) combined WTP/WWTP multiport diffuser in the Trent River. Sanitary Sewer Collection System - Discharge to the existing sanitary sewer collection system is the least costly solution; however, it should be considered a short-term solution. Under this arrangement, the WTP's brackish waste will mix and dilute with the sanitary sewer waste through the collection system and treatment plant prior to discharge through the existing Trent River diffuser. The WTP waste, however, could potentially consume a significant percentage ofthe WWTP permitted capacity. In addition, it would introduce a brackish waste stream into the WWTP which increases corrosivity and expedites degradation to the existing tankage and equipment. Each of these reasons argues against discharging to River Bend's existing sanitary sewer collection system as a long-term solution. Under initial conditions, the sanitary sewer collection system could potentially be employed as a short-term viable solution; however, it is not considered a viable long-term solution due to its impact on WWTP capacity, operations and maintenance requirements. Plantation Canal - The two (2) currently permitted discharge locations from the existing WTPS drain into and through the larger Plantation Canal that serves the River Bend Marina, local boaters and fishermen. Plantation Canal is significantly larger than the existing receiving waters of the two (2) existing WTPs, and is approximately 100 feet to over 200 feet wide along the main channel run which is approximately 1.4 miles long prior to its discharge into the Trent River. Given that Plantation Canal is a much larger waterbody than the current permitted tributary discharge locations, it would seem to be preferable to that which currently exists. The upstream portion of Plantation Canal is likely freshwater that transitions to brackish or saltwater further downstream. There is potential that Plantation Canal could be considered an acceptable location for discharge from a new WTP; however, discharge of a brackish waste stream to a freshwater receiving stream will likely be discouraged. This would have to be addressed directly with the NPDES Unit, and is beyond the scope of this study. Ifit was acceptable, it would be preferable to discharge into the broader section of Plantation Canal rather than the narrower upper section or tributaries. Combined WTP/WWTP Discharge into the Trent River This alternative involves combining the treated effluent discharge from the WTP with the treated effluent discharge from the Town's existing Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Effluent discharge from the River Bend WWTP is through an 8" diameter gravity outfall under the influence of driving head from the WWTP. Should the WTP treated waste be combined with the WWTP treated waste, a new 10" outfall would be required to accommodate the total flow. Typically, the NPDES Unit encourages discharge to the largest reasonable downstream receiving water in order to maximize dilution within a small regulatory mixing zone. For River Bend, this receiving water is considered to be the Trent River. 4 ITEM 11 River Bend Water Supply Study September, 2024 From a technical, environmental and permitting standpoint this option would appear to be the most favorable long-term discharge solution. Selection of an In-Town WTP Supply Alternative: Two (2) combinations of alternatives were evaluated using a Net Present Value of Costs Analysis (NPVCA). This approach evaluates the major capital costs, annual recurring costs and salvage values associated with each option and converts them to an equivalent net present cost to determine which is the least expensive option on a level basis. The two (2) combinations of alternatives evaluated include: Filter Softener WTP - This alternative includes (1) one new test well and two new production wells in the Lower Castle Hayne Aquifer/Comfort Member plus raw water mains to transmit flow from the well sites to the WTP site, (2) a 0.95 MGD Filter Softener WTP located on the site recently purchased by the Town located adjacent to the Public Works Facility and 300,000- gallon elevated storage tank, and (3) dual settling basins with supernatant pump station and force main to discharge into a common WTP/WWTP outfall and multiport diffuser into the Trent River. Nanofiltration WTP - This alternative includes (1) one new test well and two new production wells in the Lower Castle Hayne Aquifer/Comfort Member plus raw water mains to transmit flow from the well sites to the WTP site, (2) a 0.95 MGD Nanofiltration WTP (no iron pre- filters) located on the site recently purchased by the Town located adjacent to the Public Works Facility and 300,000-gallon elevated storage tank, and (3) waste concentrate force main to discharge into a common WTP/WWTP outfall and multiport diffuser into the Trent River. The estimated capital cost and annual recurring costs for the Filter Softener WTP alternative are less expensive than the Nanofiltration WTP alternative while the salvage value is greater for the Nanofiltration alternative. Given this, the Net Present Value ofCosts is approximately $2,100,000 basis. The following is a summary of the estimated costs for both alternatives: Filter Softener WTP Nanofiltration WTP Alternative Alternative Capital Cost $18,228,000 $19,798,000 Annual Costs $696,600 $758,664 Salvage Value ($1,040,774) ($1,252,044) NPVC $25,511,863 $27,612,281 The Filter Softener WTP Alternative is the least expensive of the two (2) viable In-Town WTP alternatives. Non-monetary factors were also considered in formulating a recommendation. A decision matrix was utilized consisting of the following parameters for each alternative included: sustainability (future availability and quality) of the raw water supply, treatability to primary and secondary drinking water standards, 5 ITEM 11 River Bend Water Supply Study September, 2024 residual waste treatment and disposal requirements/NPDES discharge permitting capability disinfection byproducts requirements land requirements vulnerability due to test well/pilot plant/dilution study results, environmental and permitting concerns ease of operations Each of the parameters was assigned a rating from 1 - 9, which represents least to most favorable. A value of 5 is neutral while values of 1 and 9 represent highly unfavorable and highly favorable scores, respectively. The ratings assigned for each factor are subjective based on experience in the industry and discussions with Publicly Operated Treatment Works (POTW) Owners, Operators and Public Water Supply Section (PWSS) staff. For most parameters, one alternative scored more favorable depending on the specific factor considered. Sometimes the ratings for each alternative were identical. Based on the total scores for each alternative in the decision matrix, the Filter/Softener WTP alternative received the highest and most favorable score. In addition, it is the more affordable alternative based on the Net Present Value of Costs Analysis. Therefore, if River Bend chooses to move forward with design, permitting and construction of a new in-town WTP, the recommended long-term water supply alternative is to design and construct a single new Filter/Softener WTP. This alternative includes construction ofai new Lower Castle Hayne Aquifer wellfield with raw water transmission mains to supply the new WTP site. Filter backwash and softener regeneration waste would be treated in dual gcomembrane-lined settling basins with a supernatant pump station and force main to discharge into a combined WTP/WWTP multiport diffuser in the Trent River. If the Town is unable to secure sufficient funding for all portions of this alternative, the Town could realize some savings by rehabilitating the existing Upper Castle Hayne Aquifer wells and installing raw water mains to the new WTP site. Similarly, as a short-term solution, the Town could discharge thei treated backwash and softener regeneration waste to the existing sanitary sewer collection system to combine with the existing treated WWTP discharge to the Trent River. Bulk Water Supply and Transmission Alternatives - Other water supply alternatives could also be available to the Town of River Bend beyond the in-town WTP options evaluated above. This includes purchasing potable drinking water in bulk from a neighboring system. Several public water systems are located in near proximity to the Town ofRiver Bend. These include the City of New Bern, Jones County Regional Water System and Craven County Water Department. Only the City ofNew Bern has demonstrated available capacity and willingness to serve as a bulk water supplier to the Town. A User Rate Impact Analysis was utilized to compare user charge requirements for the recommended In-Town WTP alternative against the City of New Bern bulk water supply alternative. The evaluation was conducted on an "equivalent user" basis to convert commercial 6 ITEM 11 River Bend Water Supply Study September, 2024 and institutional users to equivalent residential users. The Town's 1,497 actual residential, commercial and institutional customers equate to approximately 1,816 equivalent residential users for purpose of this analysis. Average monthly consumption based on the 1,816 equivalent users is 2,920 gallons. If the Town purchases water in bulk from a neighboring water system, a portion of the Town's recurring costs associated with water supply and treatment will no longer be required. However, the Town will still need to continue operating its water distribution system. Approximately 91% of the revenue generated by the current water rates is estimated to still be required. Based on the size ofthe current customer base, current average water sales and current average collections rate, the average monthly water bill per customer is estimated to be $25.08. In addition to the costs required to continue operating the Town's distribution system, the Town's user rates will be increased by the cost to purchase water in bulk, as well as any capital improvements required to fund transmission improvements between the City of New Bern and the Town of] River Bend. The City of New Bern's distribution system includes an 8" water main that extends along US Hwy 17 BUS past the River Bend corporate limits, as well as another 8" water main that extends somewhat parallel along Rocky Run Road. The City of New Bern is currently working toward design and installation of transmission and elevated water tank improvements to serve the western side of their service area. This western loop and elevated tank will connect from the US Hwy 70/NC Hwy 43 Interchange to the Trent Creek Road/ Bus Hwy 17 intersection. Installation of these water system improvements is expected to be complete within the next two years. Those improvements will improve the capability for New Bern to supply a community like River Bend. Emergency Interconnect - Based on preliminary hydraulic evaluation, the existing 8" water mains, including the New Bern western elevated storage tank and transmission improvements, appear capable of supplying the current average day demand with reduced pressures, but insufficient to supply the current maximum day demand and fire flow. As such, interconnection with the City of New Bern's water system could be an asset to the Town of River Bend for purposes of an emergency interconnection, but not as a long-term water supply source unless additional transmission improvements are made. The total estimated project cost for an emergency interconnect is $499,000.00 Bulk Water Supply Interconnect - The City of New Bern has the available capacity to serve the Town ofRiver Bend, and the City has preliminarily indicated a willingness to serve as a bulk supplier to the Town. The City has informally suggested that a reasonable preliminary estimate of the charges to sell water to the Town would be no greater than 150% oft the current "In-City" water rates. For the purposes ofthis evaluation, 150% was utilized for preliminary estimates. On this basis, the estimated average monthly water bill per equivalent user at current average day consumption equals $18.67. This estimated cost 7 ITEM 11 River Bend Water Supply Study September, 2024 excludes debt service for any required transmission and interconnection capital improvements and other required distribution system operation, maintenance and debt costs. In order for the City to serve as a reliable source of water supply to River Bend, transmission and interconnection requirements are required to supply a future maximum day demand in River Bend equal to 0.95 MGD. Preliminary hydraulic modelling indicates a booster pump station and 10" transmission main would likely be required between the City's new western elevated storage tank to the River Bend elevated tank. Unless the Town of River Bend is willing to pay for these improvements to the New Bern and River Bend water systems through fund balance or grant funds, additional debt service would be generated to repay a new loan to cover the costs of these capital improvements. The cost for this additional debt service would also increase the user rates for River Bend customers. The estimated project cost for required transmission improvements to interconnect the Town of River Bend's water system to the City of New Bern as a permanent bulk water supplier is estimated at $5,113,000. Ift the Town of River Bend utilizes the N.C. Special Appropriation funds to pay the capital improvements costs for the transmission and interconnection to both the New Bern or River Bend systems, then there would be no new debt service to be repaid. Under those circumstances, the estimated monthly utility charge is approximately $43.76. If, however, the N.C. Special Appropriation cannot be used to pay for the transmission and interconnection costs for New Bern and River Bend, then the Town may need to borrow some or all of the money and repay it over a period of time. Assuming the worst case, that $5,113,000 is borrowed to finance the cost of the capital improvements through a 20-year Division of Water Infrastructure low interest loan at 3.25% half-market-rate interest, the first year's annual debt service is approximately $421,823 which equates to approximately $19.36 per month per customer. As such, the total estimated monthly cost to purchase drinking water from the City of New Bern under this circumstance is approximately 63.Ilmonthequivalent user. Both advantages and disadvantages exist for the Town of River Bend to purchase water in bulk from the City ofNew Bern. Several are listed in this report for the Town's S consideration in making a decision between the in-Town WTP solution and the Bulk Water Supply solution. Recommendation - The Town of River Bend has successfully operated their own in-town water and sanitary sewer systems for almost three decades. The expertise and willingness to continue doing certainly appear to exist. The biggest hurdle confronting the Town is the ability to generate sufficient revenue to address significant capital costs and potential associated debt service with a small customer base. The Town has previously secured a significant grant to help offset a portion of the potential debt service and the resulting impact to water rates. The ability to pursue design, permitting, 8 ITEM 11 River Bend Water Supply Study September, 2024 construction and operation of a new in-town WTP will be based on the Town's capability to secure additional grant funding. The estimated cost for the recommended long-term water supply alternative is $18,228,000. The Town currently has Special Legislative Grant appropriation of $9,252,105. As such, the current shortfall is estimated to be $8,975,895. Ideally, ifthe Town could secure an additional $8,975,895 in grant, the Town could pursue design, permitting and construction of the long- term recommended water supply improvements. On the basis of the preliminary estimates and computations included herein, the Town should borrow no more than $3,544,000 based on securing a low interest NCDEQ DWI loan with a 20-yearterm at 3.25% interest rate. The first-year principal and interest would equal $293,205 which translates to 1345monthcguvalent customer. Approximately 303/monthcquvalent user is estimated for operation and maintenance oft the water system with a new. F/S WTP in place. These two incremental costs added together equal the estimated cost ofs S43,76montivequivalent customer such that the average user charge for the long-term water supply alternative does not exceed that required to purchase bulk water from the City of New Bern. Potential Rate Impact - The Town's current water rates equate to $36.62/month for a 5,000 gal/month customer. This is below the State median of $40.01. However, when viewed in combination with sewer rates, the Town monthly rate of $107.30 far exceeds the State median of $89.71. The Town does not average 5,000 gal/month per user based on water sales. In 2023, the average consumption was only 2,920 gal/month per equivalent customer. As such, the average water bill was 2756monthcquvalen: customer. Required revenues must be generated based on the actual quantity of water sold. The impact to water rates for constructing a new F/S WTP is a function ofthe grant funds available to offset potential debt service plus the inherent cost to operate and maintain the new WTP and the remainder ofthe water system. If the Town is able to secure 100% grant funding, then monthly water rates are estimated to increase from $27.56 to 303montnequvaen: customer in order to cover the additional operating costs associated with the new F/S WTP. If the Town is unable to secure any additional grant funding, the monthly water rates are estimated to increase to 642°monthvequvalem customer which far exceeds the cost to purchase bulk water from the City ofNew Bern. If the Town limits their debt service to not exceed that required to purchase bulk water from New Bern, water rates could increase to 43.7omontivequvaten: user. Potential Funding Opportunities - Given that the Town of River Bend has already secured a substantial amount of Special Legislative Grant funding for the project, additional funding efforts 9 ITEM 11 River Bend Water Supply Study September, 2024 should proceed in parallel with the planning, design and permitting efforts required for the new WTP project. The Town of River Bend has worked previously with NCDEQ Division of Water Infrastructure (DWI) State Revolving Fund (SRF) program for various grant and loan funded projects. The SRF program provides % market interest rate loans with a limited amount of principal forgiveness. The maximum loan amount is $20 million (DW Unit) and $30 million (WW Unit) with a payback term of 20 years. A 2.0% closing fee applies. The DWI SRF funding process is competitive. The opportunity for the Town to be funded depends on numerous factors, including the availability of funds, the number ofa applications submitted, and final scoring/ranking of the applications. Given this, it is recommended that the Town proceed with the Drinking Water application at the first available opportunity. In this manner, the Town will have the best opportunity to receive funding for the project. The SRF Program has two funding cycles per year, typically in March and September. The Town, working with their engineering consultant, should begin preparation of the applications and supporting documents to support a funding request for the proposed alternative. If the Town's application is selected for funding, the Town should expect to be notified and receive a Letter of Intent to Fund (LOIF) letter from DWI approximately five months following application. Due to significant capital costs, the discussion on financing dictates a need to secure grant funding from as many sources as possible in order to keep the cost of water at as reasonable a level as possible. Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF), USDA-Rural Development and Revenue Bonds appear to be the most promising source of project financing. However, other available sources of revenue could also be pursued. 10 ITEM 12 TOWN OF RIVER BEND RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE PAMLICO SOUND REGIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN WHEREAS, the Town of River Bend is vulnerable to an array of natural hazards that can cause loss of life and damages to public and private property; and WHEREAS, the County and participating municipal jurisdictions desire to seek ways to mitigate situations that may aggravate such circumstances; and WHEREAS, the development and implementation of a hazard mitigation plan can result in actions that reduce the long-term risk to life and property from hazard hazards; and WHEREAS, it is the intent of the River Bend Town Council to protect its citizens and property from the effects of natural hazards by preparing and maintaining a local hazard mitigation plan; and WHEREAS, it is also the intent of the River Bend Town Council to fulfill its obligation under North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 166A: North Carolina Emergency Management Act and Section 322: Mitigation Planning of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to remain eligible to receive state and federal assistance in the event that a declared disaster affecting River Bend; and WHEREAS, the Town of River Bend actively participated in the planning process of the Pamlico Sound Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan and has prepared a regional hazard mitigation plan with input from the appropriate local and state officials; and WHEREAS, the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management is reviewing the Pamlico Sound Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan for legislative compliance and the plan can only be approved after completion of local adoption procedures; NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Town Council of River Bend hereby: 1. Adopts the Pamlico Sound Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan; and 2. Vests the Town Manager with the responsibility, authority, and the means to: (a) Inform all concerned parties of this action. (b) Cooperate with Federal, State and local agencies and private firms which undertake to study, survey, map, and identify floodplain or flood-related erosion areas, and cooperate with neighboring communities with respect to management of adjoining floodplain and/or flood-related erosion areas in order to prevent aggravation of existing hazards. ITEM 12 3. Appoints the Town Manager to assure that, in cooperation with the other participating jurisdictions, the Hazard Mitigation Plan is reviewed annually and every five years as specified in the Plan to assure that the Plan is in compliance with all State and Federal regulations and that any needed revisions or amendments to the Plan are developed and presented to the River Bend Town Council for consideration. 4. Agrees to take such other official action as may be reasonably necessary to carry out the objectives of the 2025 Pamlico Sound Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Adopted this 20th day of March, 2025. Mark Bledsoe, Mayor (Seal) Kristie J. Nobles, NCCMC, MMC, Town Clerk ITEM 12 Grauen Courty - : 4 CARO CAIO PAMLICO SOUND Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Na k Excerp pts from 855 page ESP wsP document ITEM 12 SECTION1: NTRODUCTION 1 INTRODUCTION Section 1 provides a general introduction to hazard mitigation and an introduction to the Pamlico Sound Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. This section contains the following subsections: 1.1 Background 1.2 Purpose and Authority 1.3 Scope 1.4 References 1.5 Plan Organization 1.7 BACKGROUND This document comprises a Hazard Mitigation Plan for the Pamlico Sound Region of North Carolina. Each year in the United States, natural and human-caused hazards take the lives ofhundreds of people and injure thousands more. Nationwide, taxpayers pay billions of dollars annually to help communities, organizations, businesses, and individuals recover from disasters. These monies only partially reflect the true cost of disasters because additional expenses incurred by insurance companies and non-governmental organizations are: not reimbursed by tax dollars. Many natural hazards are predictable, and much of the damage caused by hazard events can be reduced or even eliminated. Hazards are a natural part ofthe environment that will inevitably continue to occur, but there is much we can do to minimize their impacts on our communities and prevent them from resulting in disasters. Every community faces different hazards, has different resources to draw upon in combating problems, and has different interests that influence the solutions to those problems. Because there are many ways to deal with hazards and many agencies that can help, there is no one solution for managing or mitigating their effects. Planning is one ofthe best ways to develop a customized program that will mitigate the impacts ofhazards while accounting for the unique character of a community. A well-prepared hazard mitigation plan will ensure that all possible activities are reviewed and implemented SO that the problem is addressed by the most appropriate and efficient solutions. It can also coordinate activities with each other and with other goals and activities, preventing conflicts and reducing the costs of implementing each individual activity. This plan provides a framework for all interested parties to work together toward mitigation. It establishes the vision and guiding principles for reducing hazard risk and proposes specific mitigation actions to eliminate or reduce identified vulnerabilities. In an effort to reduce the nation's mounting natural disaster losses, the U.S. Congress passed the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) to invoke new and revitalized approaches to mitigation planning. Section 322 of DMA 2000 emphasizes the need for state and local government entities to closely coordinate on mitigation planning activities and makes the development of a hazard mitigation plan a specific eligibility requirement for any local government applying for federal mitigation grant funds. These funds include the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, and the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program, all of which are administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Department of Homeland Security. Communities with an adopted and federally approved hazard mitigation plan thereby become pre-positioned and more apt to receive available mitigation funds before and after the next disaster strikes. Pamlico Sound January 2025 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 1 ITEM 12 SECTION!: INTRODUCTION This plan was prepared in coordination with FEMA Region IV and the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management (NCEM) to ensure that it meets all applicable federal and state planning requirements. A Local Mitigation Plan Review Tool, found in Appendix A, provides a summary of FEMA's current minimum standards of acceptability and notes the location within this plan where each planning requirement is met. 1.2 PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY This plan was developed in a joint and cooperative manner by members of a Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee (HMPC) which included representatives ofCounty, City, and Town departments, federal and state agencies, citizens, and other stakeholders. This plan will ensure all jurisdictions in the Pamlico Sound Region remain eligible for federal disaster assistance including FEMA HMGP, PDM, and FMA programs. This plan has been prepared in compliance with Section 322 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford. Act or the Act), 42 U.S.C. 5165, enacted under Section 104 oft the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, (DMA 2000) Public Law 106-390 of October 30, 2000, as implemented at CFR 201.6 and 201.7 dated October 2007. This plan will be adopted by each participating jurisdiction in accordance with standard local procedures. Copies of adoption resolutions are provided in Section 9 Plan Adoption. 1.3 SCOPE This document comprises a Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan for the Pamlico Sound Region. The planning area includes all incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas in the: region. All particépatingjurisdictions are listed in Table 1.1. Table 1.7 - Participating Jurisdictions in the Pamlico Sound Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Beaufort County Washington Aurora Bath Belhaven Chocowinity Pantego Washington Park Carteret County Atlantic Beach Beaufort Bogue Cape Carteret Cedar Point Emerald Isle Indian Beach Morehead City Newport Peletier Pine Knoll Shores Craven County Havelock New Bern Bridgeton Cove City Dover River Bend Trent Woods Vanceboro Pamlico County Alliance Arapahoe Bayboro Grantsboro Mesic Minnesott Beach Oriental Stonewall Vandemere The Pamlico Sound Region followed thej planning process prescribed by FEMA, and this plan was developed under the guidance of a HMPC comprised of representatives of County, City, and Town Pamlico Sound January 2025 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2 ITEM 12 SECTION1: INTRODUCTION departments; citizens; and other stakeholders. The HMPC conducted a risk assessment that identified and profiled hazards that pose a risk to the planning area, assessed the planning area's s vulnerability to these hazards, and examined each parlicpatingjuridictions capabilities in place to mitigate them. The plan evaluates and prioritizes hazards for the planning area using a Priority Risk Index, as determined through the risk and vulnerability assessments. Hazards are categorized as "low, > "moderate, ? or "high" priority, however, mitigation strategies are identified for all profiled hazards. The hazards profiled in this plan are: Dam & Levee Failure Drought Earthquake Excessive Heat Flooding Hurricanes & Coastal Hazards Severe Winter Storm Tornadoes & Thunderstorms - Wildfire - Infectious Disease - Cyber Threat 1.4 REFERENCES The following FEMA guides and reference documents were used to prepare this document: FEMA 386-1: Getting Started. September 2002. FEMA 386-2: Understanding Your Risks: Identifying Hazards and Estimating Losses. August 2001. FEMA 386-3: Developing the Mitigation Plan. April 2003. FEMA 386-4: Bringing the Plan to Life. August 2003. FEMA 386-5: Using Benefit-Cost Review in Mitigation Planning. May 2007. FEMA 386-6: Integrating Historic Property and Cultural Resource Considerations into Hazard Mitigation Planning. May 2005. FEMA 386-7: Integrating Manmade Hazards into Mitigation Planning. September 2003. FEMA 386-8: Multijurisdictional Mitigation Planning. August 2006. FEMA 386-9: Using the Hazard Mitigation Plan to Prepare Successful Mitigation Projects. August 2008. FEMA. Local Mitigation Planning Handbook. March 2013. FEMA. Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide. October 1, 2011. FEMA National Fire Incident Reporting System 5.0: Complete Reference Guide. January, 2008. FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Unified Guidance. June 1, 2010. FEMA. Integrating Hazard Mitigation into Local Planning: Case Studies and Tools for Community Officials. March 1, 2013. FEMA. Mitigation Ideas. A Resource for Reducing Risk to Natural Hazards. January 2013. Additional sources used in the development ofthis plan, including data compiled for the Hazard Identification and Risk. Assessment, are listed in Appendix D. Pamlico Sound January 2025 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 3 ITEM 12 SECTION1: INTRODUCTION 1.5 PLAN ORGANIZATION The Pamlico Sound Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan is organized into the following sections: Section 1: Introduction Section 2: Planning Process Section 3: Planning Area Profile Section 4: Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment Section 5: Capability Assessment Section 6: Mitigation Strategy Section 7: Mitigation Action Plans Section 8: Plan Implementation and Maintenance Section 9: Plan Adoption Appendix A: Local Plan Review Tool Appendix B: Planning Process Documentation Appendix C: Mitigation Alternatives Appendix D: References Pamlico Sound January 2025 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 4 ITEM 12 SECTION! 3: PLANNING. AREA PROFILE Figure 3.1 - Pamlico Sound Region Location Map N TYRRELL CO WASHINGTON CO PITT CO HYDE CO JONES CO ONSLOW CO 10 20 Miles Pamlico Regional HMP Location Map Date: 6/3/2024 Source: USC Census Bureau Legend Prepared By: SM Projection: North Carolina State Plane (NAD83) Beaufort County Craven County Carteret County Pamlico County MSPG y - Source: U.S. Census Bureau Pamlico Sound January: 2025 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 29 ITEM 12 SECTION 3: PLANNING AREAI PROFILE Figure 3.19 - Town of Pine Knoll Shores Future Land Use Map L a BLIU OA 5 A M MM Legend fu Private Beach Apcess. Conservation Private CON Govemment Private Recreation Hotel/Condotel Pulllic Beachi Access Marina Racreation MF Residential CAxe/Insitutional, Sludy Parking Uility 3.4 CRAVEN COUNTY 3.4.7 HYDROLOGY As with Carteret County, Craven County has three separate river basins traversing through its boundaries. These basins include the Onslow Bay, Neuse, and Pamlico, as shown in Figure 3.9. Descriptions of these river basins can be found in Section 3.2.8. Pamlico Sound January 2025 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 63 ITEM 12 SECTION 3: PLANNING, AREAI PROFILE Figure 3.20 - Craven County, HUC8 River Basins N Lower Tar (03020103) Contentnea (03020203) Pamlico Middle Neuse (03020104) (03020202) Pamlico Sound (03020105) Lower Neuse (03020204) New River White Oak (03020302) River (03020301) 10 20 Miles Craven County, North Carolina HUC-8 Drainage Basins Date: 6/5/2024 Source: USGS Legend Prepared By: SM Projection: North Carolina State Plane (NAD83) Craven County HUC-8 MSP Source: National Hydrology Dataset Pamlico Sound January2025 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 64 ITEM 12 SECTION 3: PLANNING AREA PROFILE 3.4.2 PARKS AND OPEN SPACE There are several parks located throughout Craven County, both within unincorporated portions oft the County, as well as within participating municipalities. Additionally, a portion of the Croatan National Forest is located within Craven County. The Croatan National Forest is one of four National Forests in North Carolina and the only true coastal forest in the East. Refer to the Carteret County Parks and Open Space discussion for more details regarding the Croatan National Forest. The following provides a listing of parks and recreational facilities located in Craven County: Creekside Park - 1821 Old Airport Rd, New Bern, NC West Craven Park - 2791 Streets Ferry Rd, Vanceboro, NC Latham-Whitehurst Nature Park - 1095 Broad Creek Rd, New Bern, NC Rocky Run Park - 411 Rocky Run Rd, New Bern, NC 3.4.3 DEMOGRAPHICS POPULATION TOTAL The total population ofCraven County according to the 2023 American Community Survey was 101,074 persons. Population growth throughout unincorporated portions ofCraven County has been moderate since Census year 2000 at a rate of 18.5 percent while some municipalities have experienced rapid growth like Bridgeton (71 percent), Cove City (34.6 percent), and New Bern (36.6 percent). On the contrary, some participating municipalities have experienced declining populations during the same time period including Dover (-14.5 percent), Havelock (-26.6 percent), River Bend (-0.9 percent), and Trent Woods (- 3.3 percent). Table3.18 provides a breakdown of total population for Craven County and the participating municipalities for the years 2000, 2010, 2020, and 2023. Table 3.18 Craven County Total Population % Change Overall % Change Jurisdiction 2000 2010 2020 2023 2010-2023 2000-2023 Bridgeton 328 454 346 561 -23.7% 71.0% Cove City 433 399 381 583 -4.5% 34.6% Dover 443 401 349 379 -13.0% -14.5% Havelock 22,442 20,735 16,688 16,471 -19.5% -26.6% New Bern 23,171 29,524 31,287 31,563 6.0% 36.6% River Bend 2,923 3,119 2,899 2,896 -7.1% -0.9% Trent Woods 4,224 4,155 4,079 4,086 -1.8% -3.3% Vanceboro 898 1,055 872 939 -17.4% 4.6% Municipalities 54,802 59,842 56,901 57,478 -4.9% 4.9% Unincorporated Areas 36,784 36,721 43,891 43,596 19,5% 18.5% Total 91,586 96,563 100,792 101,074 4.4% 10.4% Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey. GROWTH TRENDS Table 3.12 provides population forecast through the year 2050 for Craven County, as well as all participating municipal jurisdictions. Municipal forecasts are based on the annual growth rate calculated from 2000 and 2023 population change presented in Table 3.18. According to the North Carolina Office Pamlico Sound January 2025 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 65 ITEM 12 SECTION: 3: PLANNING. AREAI PROFILE of State Budget and Management (NCOSBM), the population of Craven County is expected to increase by approximately 2.2 percent by 2050 (a total of2,261 more persons). Table 3.19 - Craven County Population Projections, 2023-2050 % Change Jurisdiction 2023 2030 2040 2050 2023-2050 Bridgeton 561 631 731 831 48.1% Cove City 583 625 685 745 27.8% Dover 379 365 345 325 -14.3% Havelock 16,471 14,658 12,068 9,478 -42.5% New Bern 31,563 34,132 37,802 41,472 31.4% River Bend 2,896 2,889 2,879 2,869 -0,9% Trent Woods 4,086 4,044 3,984 3,924 -4.0% Vanceboro 939 932 922 912 -2.9% Municipalities 57,478 58,290 59,450 60,610 5.5% Unincorporated Areas 43,596 45,668 48,628 51,588 18.3% Craven County* 101,074 103,334 103,336 103,335 2.2% Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey and NCOSBM. State/County Population Projections Note: Municipal population projections were calculated using the linear growth formula, which assumes the same growth occurs annually. The annual growth rate (in persons) was determined by subtracting the initial population (2000) from the base population (2023) dividing it by the number of years (23 years). The annual growth rate (in person) was then multiplied by base population (2023) and number ofy years (7 years for 2030, 17 years for 2040, and 27 years for: 2050). Unlike the Municipal population projections, the County population projections were forecasted and provided by NCOSBM, which considers estimates of births, deaths, migration, and other demographic data. RACIAL DEMOGRAPHICS The overall Craven County population is predominantly Caucasian comprising 67.4 percent of residents, while most of the remaining population is African American (20.3 percent). The racial composition of the County's municipal jurisdictions varies substantially. The Town of Dover is predominantly African American (59.6 percent), while Cove City, New Bern, and Vanceboro have an African American population over 25 percent. One other unique characteristic is that the City of New Bern maintains an Asian population of5 5.8 percent. Overall, Craven County has a Hispanic/Latino population of7.4 percent. Municipalities with the largest Hispanic population in the County include Bridgeton (38.9 percent) and Havelock (15.1 percent). According to the American Community Survey, the 2023 median age in Craven County was 39.2 years. Approximately 78 percent of the County's population is over the age of eighteen, while 50 percent is male and 50 percent is female. Table 3.20 provides a summary of racial composition for Craven County, as well as all participating municipal jurisdictions. Table 3.20 - Craven County Racial Composition African- Other Two or More Persons of Jurisdiction Caucasian Hispanic Asian American Race* Races or Latino Origin" Bridgeton 80.2% 10.9% 0.0% 8.9% 0.0% 38.9% Cove City 61.1% 28.0% 0,0% 1.4% 9.6% 7.7% Dover 33,0% 59,6% 0.0% 0.0% 7.4% 0.3% Havelock 61.3% 18.2% 3.8% 3.4% 13.1% 15.1% New Bern 55.0% 28.9% 5.8% 3.8% 6.6% 6.1% River Bend 83.7% 12.6% 0.0% 0.5% 3.1% 3.3% Pamlico Sound January: 2025 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 66 ITEM 12 SECTION: 3: PLANNING AREAI PROFILE African- Other Two or More Persons of Hispanic Jurisdiction Caucasian Asian American Race" Races or Latino Origin" Trent Woods 99.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.1% 0.8% 0.1% Vanceboro 50.2% 45.2% 0.0% 2.3% 2.3% 3.0% Craven County 67.4% 20.3% 2.7% 2.8% 6.8% 7.4% *Other races includes American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawailan, Pacific Islander, etc. "Persons of Hispanic or Latino Origin are classified regardless of race; therefore, this percentage is considered independent of the other race classifications listed. Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey. SOCIAL VULNERABILITY Figure 3.21 below displays social vulnerability information for Craven County by census tract according to 2022 data and analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC's Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) indicates the: relative vulnerability within census tracts based on 15 social factors: poverty, unemployment, income, education, age, disability, household composition, minority status, language, housing type, and transportation access. Higher social vulnerability is an indicator that a community may be limited in its ability to respond to and recover from hazard events. Therefore, using this SVI information can help the County and municipal jurisdictions to prioritize pre-disaster aid, allocate emergency preparedness and response resources, and plan for the provision of recovery support. The SVI throughout Craven County is moderate to high with highest vulnerability in Northern portions of Craven County, in and around Cove City, Vanceboro, and Dover. Central portions oft the County in and around the City of New Bern and Town of Bridgeton also have a high SVI index, while portions Northwest of] Havelock and Southeast of Cove City have a much lower SVI score. Within Craven County development is distributed more evenly throughout the County than other portions of Pamlico Region; however, developed density is higher throughout northern Craven County. Pamlico Sound January: 2025 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 67 ITEM 12 SECTION 3: PLANNING. AREAI PROFILE Figure 3.21 Craven County Social Vulnerability Index ENDE 0 PITT CO BEAUFORT CO. CRAVENCO PAMLICO CO h JONES CO ONSLOW CO CARTERET CO 5 10 Miles Pamlico Sound, NC Social Vulnerability Index Date: 6/5/2024 Source: CDCATSDRSVI Legend 0.76 1.0 I Highest Vulnerability Prepared By: SM Projection: North Carolina State Plane (NADB3) 0.51 0.75 0,26 0.50 0.0 0.25 Lowest Vulnerability No Data MSP Pamlico Sound January 2025 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 68 ITEM 12 SECTION 3; PLANNING AREAI PROFILE 3.4.4 HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS According to the American Community Survey, there were approximately 47,404 housing units in Craven County as of2023. This figure marks a 7 percent, or 3,102 unit, increase since 2010 for unincorporated portions of Craven County. Although the County's housing unit growth has been somewhat modest, several County municipalities have experienced ai much more rapid increase in their housing stock. Housing unit counts have increased by roughly 24.7 percent in Bridgeton and 33.2 percent in Vanceboro over the same period. With the exception of these two municipalities, housing starts have been slow throughout Craven County. Housing in Craven County is predominantly comprised of owner occupants (69.9 percent). Overall, the County and its municipalities maintain a fairly high owner occupancy rate. Oft the eight (8) municipal jurisdictions, six (6) have an owner occupancy rate above 50 percent. This factor is important in regards to mitigation and post disaster recovery due to the fact that homeownership directly correlates to the long term maintenance and flood proofing ofp property, as well as the eligibility for funding of impacted units following a flooding event associated with nor'e easters and tropical storm/hurricanes. In terms of vulnerability associated with natural hazard events such as tropical storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes, roughly 13.2 percent oft the Craven County housing stock is comprised of manufactured homes, which is higher than the state average of 10.5 percent. The prevalence of manufactured housing poses a unique threat regarding both sustainability, as well as emergency response within defined flood hazard areas. Table3.21 below provides a summary ofl housing characteristics for Craven County, as well as participating municipal jurisdictions. Table 3.27 - Craven County Housing Characteristics Housing Housing % Change % Owner % Vacant Jurisdiction Units (2010) Units (2023) 2010-2023 Occupied (2023) Units (2023) Bridgeton 194 242 24.7% 58.3% 14.9% Cove City 230 248 7.8% 66.8% 5.2% Dover 258 194 -24.8% 64.7% 12.4% Havelock 6,844 5,840 -14.7% 45.0% 12.3% New Bern 14,504 16,314 12.5% 60.1% 12.1% River Bend 1,618 1,627 0.6% 88.3% 17.3% Trent Woods 1,805 1,867 3.4% 92.8% 6.7% Vanceboro 359 478 33.2% 46.4% 15.7% Craven County 44,302 47,404 7.0% 69.9% 12.5% Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey. 3.4.5 WAGES, EMPLOYMENT, AND INDUSTRY The 2023 American Community Survey reports that the median household income for the Craven County was $64,635, which is slightly lower than the state's median household income of ($69,904). However, approximately 17.6 percent ofthe population is living below the poverty level. Moreover, 31.3 percent of people under 18 years of age are living below the poverty level. Within Craven County, approximately 58,9 percent oft thej population is in the labor force. This is generally characteristic of all participating municipal jurisdictions as well, apart from Cove City, River Bend, and Dover which fall under 50 percent. According to the American Community Survey, the Pamlico Sound January 2025 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 69 ITEM 12 SECTION: 3: PLANNING. AREAI PROFILE unemployment rate for Craven County overall was 4.5 percent. Additionally, as of 2023, approximately 15.9 percent ofl households throughout Craven County relied on food stamps/SNAP benefits. The following tables provides a summary ofkey economic indicators and population employed by industry for both incorporated and unincorporated portions of Craven County. Table 3.22 - Craven County Key Economic Indicators Percent Percent Not in Population in Percent Unemployment Jurisdiction Unemployed Labor Force Labor Force Employed (%) Rate (%) (%) (%) Bridgeton 54.3% 44.9% 6.5% 45.7% 12.6% Cove City 44.7% 44.7% 0.0% 55.3% 0,0% Dover 43.8% 41.4% 2.4% 56.2% 5.5% Havelock 77.0% 41.3% 2.2% 23.0% 5.1% New Bern 60.1% 55.5% 2.4% 39.9% 4.1% River Bend 45.7% 44.3% 1.4% 54.3% 3.2% Trent Woods 56.6% 55,0% 1.6% 43.4% 2.9% Vanceboro 55,0% 53.1% 1.9% 45,0% 3.5% Craven County 58.9% 49.8% 2,4% 41.1% 4.5% Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey. Table 3.23 - Craven County Employment by Industry Production, Management, Natural Resources, Service Sales and Transportation, Jurisdiction Business, Science Construction, and (%) Office (%) and Material and Arts (%) Maintenance (%6) Moving (%) Bridgeton 37.3% 15.0% 23.5% 16.3% 7.8% Cove City 37.3% 17.9% 14.6% 23.6% 6.6% Dover 22.5% 10.1% 17.4% 24.6% 25.4% Havelock 33.4% 24.2% 22.2% 5.8% 14.5% New Bern 38.5% 19.8% 20.6% 6.6% 14.6% River Bend 42.4% 12.9% 24.7% 1.3% 18.7% Trent Woods 52.1% 19.1% 19.2% 3.4% 6.3% Vanceboro 50.9% 19.9% 12.3% 7.9% 9.0% Craven County 36.5% 19.6% 20.8% 8.1% 14.9% Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey. The top industries in Craven County include (1) Management, Business, Science, and Arts, (2) Sales and Office, and Service industries. The top 10 employers in the County are listed below: Department of Defense Carolina East Health System Craven County Board of Education BSH Home Appliances Corporation Wal-Mart Associates, Inc. Craven County Moen Incorporated Marine Corps Exchange Service Pamlico Sound January 2025 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 70 ITEM 12 SECTION 3: PLANNING AREA PROFILE Craven Community College City of New Bern 3.4.6 HISTORIC PROPERTIES As of January 2025, Craven County had 57 listings on the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes 51 Historic Structures and 6 Historic Districts. Presence on the National Register signifies that these structures have been determined to be worthy of preservation for their historical or cultural values. The following provides a comprehensive listing of all Nationally Registered Properties in Craven County. Attmore-Oliver House (New Bern) - 1/20/1972 Barber, J.T., School (New Bern) - 12/20/2006 Baxter Clock (New Bern) - 7/2/1973 Bellair (New Bern) - 8/25/1972 - Blades House (New Bern) - 1/14/1972 Bryan House and Office (New Bern) - 3/24/1972 - Cedar Grove Cemetery (New Bern) - 12/5/1972 Cedar Street Recreation Center (New Bern) = 8/21/2003 Centenary Methodist Church (New Bern) - 9/11/1972 Central Elementary School (New Bern) - 1/20/1972 Christ Episcopal Church and Parish House (New Bern) - 4/13/1973 Clear Springs Plantation (Jasper) - 3/14/1973 Coor-Bishop House (New Bern) - 11/9/1972 Coor-Gaston House (New Bern) - 2/1/1972 Craven Terrace (New Bern) - 8/19/2014 - DeGraffenried Park Historic District (New Bern) - 8/9/2006 Ebenezer Presbyterian Church (New Bern) - 6/30/1997 - First Baptist Church (New Bern) - 3/24/1972 First Church of Christ, Scientist (New Bern) - 10/2/1973 First Missionary Baptist Church (New Bern) - 6/30/1997 First Presbyterian Church and Churchyard (New Bern) - 2/1/1972 Ghent Historic District (New Bern) - 3/17/1988 Gull Harbor (New Bern) - 8/14/1973 Harvey Mansion (New Bern) - 11/12/1971 Hawks House (New Bern) - 3/16/1972 Hollister, William, House (New Bern) - 6/30/1972 Jerkins, Thomas, House (New Bern) - 10/18/1972 Jerkins--Duffy House (New Bern) - 3/17/1988 Jones-Jarvis House (New Bern) - 4/11/1973 Mace, Ulysses S., House (New Bern) - 6/4/1973 Masonic Temple and Theater (New Bern) - 3/16/1972 Mount Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church (New Bern) - 3/1/2007 New Bern Battlefield Site (New Bern) - 10/19/2001 Pamlico! Sound January: 2025 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 71 ITEM 12 SECTION: 3: PLANNING, AREA PROFILE New Bern Historic District (New Bern) - 6/19/1973 New Bern Historic District (Boundary Increase) (New Bern) - 9/25/2003 New Bern Historic District (Boundary Increase II) (New Bern) - 1/5/2016 New Bern Municipal Building (New Bern) - 6/4/1973 New Bern National Cemetery (New Bern) - 1/31/1997 Rhem-Waldrop House (New Bern) - 10/18/1972 Riverside Historic District (New Bern) - 2/9/1988 Rue Chapel AME Church (New Bern) - 6/30/1997 mponasmit.PAitemon House (New Bern) - 1/20/1972 Sloan, Dr. Earl S., House (Trent Woods) 8/14/1986 Slover-Bradham House (New Bern) - 4/11/1973 Smallwood, Eli, House (New Bern) - 12/15/1972 Smith Jr., Isaac H., House (New Bern) - 9/14/2002 Smith, Benjamin, House (New Bern) - 4/13/1972 Smith-Whitford House (New Bern) - 4/13/1972 St. John's Missionary. Baptist Church (New Bern) - 6/30/1997 St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church (New Bern) 3/24/1972 St. Peter's AME Zion Church (New Bern) - 6/30/1997 - Stanly, Edward R., House (New Bern) - 3/24/1972 Stanly, John Wright, House (New Bern) - 2/26/1970 Stevenson House (New Bern) - 8/26/1971 Taylor, Isaac, House (New Bern) - 12/27/1972 Tisdale-Jones House (New Bern) - 4/25/1972 York-Gordon House (New Bern) - 6/18/1973 3.4.7 LAND DEVELOPMENT TRENDS Throughout Craven County, approximately 77 percent of parcels are currently developed. Table 3.24 provides an overview of developed and undeveloped properties located throughout Craven County. A majority of development is focused within the urban communities of New Bern and Havelock. Additionally, increased growth has begun to occur within communities adjacent to New Bern including Trent Woods, River Bend, and' Vanceboro. Development is also centralized along key highway corridors, especially throughout portions ofthe County adjacent to Havelock between New Bern and the Carteret County line. It should also be noted that agriculture and associated land uses are a critical component of the County's economy. Table 3.24 Craven County Developed and Undeveloped Parcel Counts Jurisdiction Developed Parcels Undeveloped Parcels % Developed Parcels Bridgeton 295 102 74.3% Cove City 242 101 70.6% Dover 264 177 70.4% Havelock 4,717 266 94.7% New Bern 14,702 2,956 83.3% River Bend 1,583 174 90.1% Pamlico Sound January 2025 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 72 ITEM 12 SECTION: 3: PLANNING AREAI PROFILE Jurisdiction Developed Parcels Undeveloped Parcels % Developed Parcels Trent Woods 1,931 271 87.7% Vanceboro 465 174 72.8% Unincorporated Craven County 21,990 9,606 69.6% Total 46,183 13,761 77.0% Source: County Parcel GIS Data and iRisk Building Footprints Craven County does not maintain zoning regulations within unincorporated areas. The County is characterized by rural landscapes interspersed with small towns that maintain a commercial core and moderate density residential development. However, Craven County has two large municipal jurisdictions including the City of New Bern and the City ofHavelock. These two communities are connected by a fifteen mile stretch ofUS Highway 70. It is anticipated that residential and non-residential development will continue to occur at a fairly rapid pace along this stretch. As this development continues, the County will consider instituting corridor planning and ultimately, there is potential for the establishment of corridor specific zoning regulations. In addition to US Highway 70 leading to Havelock, growth will also continue to materialize along US Highway 70 east of New Bern and along US Highway 17 north of New Bern to the Pitt County line. As with many of the other municipalities in the region, development within New Bern and Havelock will continue to expand in a traditional fashion. It is expected that New Bern's downtown commercial core will continue to experience redevelopment and expansion. This is limited in some ways due to the historical protection measures which exist in this area. Development in Havelock will continue along the US Highway 70 corridor, which in many ways serves at the City's commercial core. Future growth within Havelock is dependent upon potential growth ofCherry Point Naval Air Station. The Town of River Bend is predominantly residential in character and is located outside the City of New Bern's corporate limits. The Craven County land use plan, adopted in 2009, covers the unincorporated county and the Towns of Cove City, Dover, and Vanceboro. Bridgeton will participate in future county land use planning. The City of] New Bern and the Towns ofTrent Woods and River Bend have a regional land use plan, adopted in 2010 and 2011. The City of Havelock's land use plan was updated in 2023. Pamlico Sound January 2025 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 73 ITEM 12 SECTION 3: PLANNING. AREA PROFILE Figure 3.22 Craven County Future Land Use Map MAP17 PITCOUNTY V BEAUFORTCOUNTY Craven County, North Carolina FuturelandUse s s LENOIR Legend COUNTY CoveCily - Dover 6 Vancebbro * * - * Non-Paridpatng Planning. Jurisdctions w Roads 2 Rakoad A Future Land Use 3 Commércial PAMUCOCOUNTY Industial Oliceandir Instilutional MuedUse Milay Recreatonal Residential JONES COUNTY AgricuiliaLo ow Densily Residentiai B Convervation ScsMap 17Alorc caip cl yocemiser River bemtenliwlemeniy elock De ipaifin ap yart de at Zev m 4 y P - ese Moveman 1Inch mlles n IMiles ONSLOWCOUNTY 01 1.252.5 7.5 10 mhess CAATEErCOUNTY MtaAs Pamlico! Sound January 2025 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 74 ITEM 12 SECTION: 3: PLANNING AREAI PROFILE Figure 3.23 City of Havelock Future Land Use Map Map 18. Future Land Use MCAS Cheny sont Legend a Seveinci Gty lynils a alpreink ET limli Hetioc (US RI Uypan futre Land Use - Reridential Kere Danuly - Residenttal Rletium Bemeny aa Resicirraiai Hips bersiry N Meghbeheet Mieitse - Ciry Cettr Mierdtla - Commenal initutien % Pultit Farikties 43 bintejal 5 A Ayicsitwe - Conmatan PReiysates a Nainnal fansl Mles AZN Mitsry bue Visty INSIGHT D aight al Wiy Pamlico Sound January 2025 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 75 ITEM 12 SECTION 3: PLANNING AREAI PROFILE Figure 3.24 New Bern, Trent Woods, and River Bend Future Land Use Map - Legend - Sludy AreaB Boundary & MunicipaVETJ Boundaiy N 6 WatershedB Boundaiy Land Classification es Conservation C3 Daveloped C3 Limited Transition C3 Rural C3 Urban Transition 54 70, 7) REVBERN S 3 / C Ar LA s. ON POURCE EE s0a E VR 9) ATEA 3179 Evse NN cadines ER Awar LUCE a d % des ARa : WBERN, ) Future Land Use AW A3 Bend, FE IMA Figuro a IpIN: UAs AECOM 14 3.5 PAMLICO COUNTY 3.5.7 HYDROLOGY Pamlico County's waters are situated in two river basins: the northern portion of Goose Creek Island adjacent to thel Pamlico River is in the Pamlico River Basin and the remainder of the County's estuarine waters are located in the Neuse River Basin, as shown in Figure3.9. Descriptions oft these river basins can be found in previous Section 3.2.8. Pamlico Sound January 2025 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 76 ITEM 12 SECTION: 3: PLANNING, AREA PROFILE Figure 3.25 - Pamlico County, HUC8 River Basins Pamlico (03020104) Pamlico Sound (03020105) Middle Neuse (03020202) Lower Neuse (03020204) White Oak River 10 (03020301) Miles Pamlico County, North Carolina HUC-8 Drainage Basins Date: 6/5/2024 Source: USGS Legend Prepared By: SM Projection: North Carolina State Plane (NAD83) Pamlico County HUC-8 MSPG u - Source: National Hydrology Dataset Pamlico! Sound January 2025 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 77 ITEM 12 SECTION 5: CAPABILITY. ASSESSMENT Table 5.2 NFIP and CRS Information Jurisdiction Date Joined NFIP Current CRS Class Current Effective Map Date Beaufort County 07/22/77 01/17/25 City of Washington 02/20/73 7 06/19/20 Town of Aurora 05/03/74 06/19/20 Town of Bath 07/08/77 06/19/20 Town of Belhaven 04/13/73 8 06/19/20 Town of Chocowinity 05/15/03 06/19/20 Town of Pantego 09/06/74 06/19/20 Town of Washington Park 02/09/73 8 06/19/20 Carteret County 02/14/75 9 01/17/25 Town of Atlantic Beach 06/28/74 8 01/17/25 Town of Beaufort 12/01/72 7 11/03/05 Town of Bogue 02/14/75 01/17/25 Town of Cape Carteret 05/24/74 8 01/17/25 Town of Cedar Point 02/14/75 7 01/17/25 Town of Emerald Isle 06/07/74 7 01/17/25 Town of Indian Beach 03/04/85 01/17/25 Town of Morehead City 02/22/74 5 11/03/05 Town of Newport 03/01/74 8 01/17/25 Town of Peletier 07/16/03 01/17/25 Town of Pine Knoll Shores 07/11/75 6 01/17/25 Craven County 12/20/74 8 01/7/25 City of Havelock 09/13/74 7 06/19/20 City of New Bern 02/22/74 8 06/15/22 Town of Bridgeton 12/20/74 06/19/20 Town of Cove City 07/02/04 NSFHA Town of Dover 07/02/04 NSFHA Town of River Bend 05/14/82 8 06/15/22 Town of Trent Woods 05/04/87 06/15/22 Town ofVanceboro 12/20/74 06/19/20 Pamlico County 01/31/75 8 06/19/20 Town of Alliance 07/14/78 8 06/19/20 Town of Arapahoe* 07/02/04 06/19/20 Town of Bayboro 07/30/76 8 06/19/20 Town of Grantsboro* 06/16/78 06/19/20 Town of Mesic 07/30/76 8 06/19/20 Town of Minnesott Beach 03/02/79 8 06/19/20 Town of Oriental 01/31/75 8 06/19/20 Town of Stonewall 01/31/75 8 06/19/20 Town of Vandemere 01/31/75 8 06/19/20 Source: FEMAI NFIP Policy Statistics "Communities not currently participating in the NFIP. Pamlico Sound January 2025 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 327 ITEM 12 SECTION7: MITIG A ATION ACTION PLANS Lead/Participating Potential Action Applicable Hazards Goal & Mitigation Agencies Estimated Funding Implementation 2025 2025 Status Comments/ # Description Jurisdictions Addressed Priority Objective Category (Lead inl bold) Cost Sources Schedule Status Explanation Work to create drainage maps within alla areas of the County that are outside regularly maintained NCDOT right of ways to help address localized Craven County. Common flooding issues can drainage issues that often lead tot flood damage to Bridgeton, Cove Flooding. Craven County be attributed to lack of homes, land, crops and other structures within the City. Dover, Hurricanes and Planning maintenance to the existing County. Craven Countyy will seek out anys grant Havelock, New Costall Hazards, Department, Based on drainage system. Often funding that may: assist in the maintenance of Bern, River Bend, Dam Failure, Craven County Soil need and GF,FEMA, maintenance exceeds drainage ditches, blueline streams or other Trent Woods, Levee Failure, andWater availability NCDPS, Ongoing-Next5 landowner capability to CR26 tributaries that convey water tot the river. Vanceboro Tsunamis Med 13 SP Conservation off funding Other years New correct. Craven Countywill: seek out Craven County, funding opportunities to help Bridgeton, Cove Flooding. Craven County reestablish shorelines and Integration of environmentally friendly flood control City, Dover, Hurricanes and Planning floodplain lost to natural measures will be implemented where necessary, Havelock, New Costal Hazards, Department, Based on disasters or other means of such as the installation of living shorelines, marsh Bern, River Bend, Dam Failure, Craven County Soil need and GF, FEMA, degradation through sills, flood barriers etc. to protecte environmentally Trent Woods, Levee Failure, and Water availability NCDPS, Ongoing -as environmentally friendly CR27 sensitive areas and maintain ther natural floodplain. Vanceboro Tsunamis Med 12 NRP Conservation off funding Other needed New methods and techniques. Craven County. Bridgeton, Cove City. Dover, Havelock, New Bern, River Bend, Craven County Create or Update Community Wildfire Protection Trent' Woods, Staff, To Be Grant CR28 Plans in each fire district Vanceboro Wildfire Med 4.1 P,PIO NCF Forest Service Determined Funds 3-5years New Local fire departments, NCF Forest. Service, Conduct Curbside Rapid Wildfire Risk Assessments Craven County, Croatan Area within fire spread distance of the Croatan National Havelock, New Fireshed To Be CR29 Forest. Bern Wildfire High 41 P Partnership Determined Grant funds 1-2y years New Flooding. Construct new road through Northwest Quadrant Hurricane & Area, connecting Plantation Drive to Old Pollocksville Road tos serve as additional Coastal GF, FEMA, ingress/egress route during flood events that block Hazards, Dam & River Bend' Town NCDPS, Ongoing -next 5 RBI they primary and othera access roads. River Bend Levee Failure High 42 ES Council $2,000,000 Town years New Flooding, Hurricane & GF,FEMA, Relocate Water Wells #1 &#2 and Water Treatment Coastal River Bend Town Town, Ongoing -next 5 RB2 Plants #1 & #2 outside of the 100-year floodplain. River Bend Hazards High 1 PP Council $18,000,000 NCDEQ years New Pamlico Sound January: 2025 Reglonal Hazard Mitigation Plan 383 ITEM 12 SECTION7: MITIGATION/ ACTIONPLANS Lead/Participating Potential Action Applicable Hazards Goal & Mitigation Agencies Estimated Funding Implementation 2025 2025: Status Comments/ # Description Jurisdictions Addressed Priority Objective Category (Lead in! bold) Cost Sources Schedule Status Explanation Flooding. Flood Mitigation at' Wastewater Treatment Plant by Hurricane & GF,F FEMA, raising top of structures to above base flood Coastal River Bend' Town Town, Ongoing -next 5 RB3 elevation and plus: 2' freeboard where possible. River Bend Hazards High 1.1 PP Council $5,000,000 NCDEQ years New Flooding, Hurricane & GF, FEMA, Relocate Wastewater Treatment Plant outside of Coastal River Bend' Town $60,000,00 Town, Ongoing next! 5 RB4 the 100-year floodplain. River Bend Hazards Low 1.1 PP Council o NCDEQ years New Flooding, Hurricane & GF,F FEMA, Coastal River Bend" Town Town, Ongoing- next 5 RB5 Floodproof sewer lifts stations in floodplain River Bend Hazards Med 1.1. PP Council $1,000,000 NCDEQ years New Flooding, Hurricane & GF,F FEMA, Improve Stormwater Drainage System Capacity in Coastal River Bend Town Town, Ongoing next 5 RB6 flood hazard areas River Bend Hazards High 13 SP Council $4,000,000 NCDEQ years New Pamlico Sound January? 2025 Reglonal Hazard Mitigation Plan 384 ITEM 14 North Carolina law allows public bodies, such as the River Bend Town Council, to meet in closed session to discuss certain topics. However, prior to going into closed session, the Council must announce the closed session and the topic for which the closed session is being called and that must be done while the Council is in open session. This requirement allows the public to know in general what the closed session is concerning. The closed session must also be adjourned in open session. For the purpose of this guide, open session simply means in view of the public and closed session simply means it private. The topics that may be discussed in closed session are listed below and are numbered 1 through 10. Most of the time, the Council knows in advance that a closed session is needed and the General Statute citation which identifies the purpose of the closed session is included on the agenda. However, that is not always the case. The need for a closed session may arise without enough warning to publish the citation on the agenda. The law does not require advanced noticed of a closed session. In any case, planned or not, the Council will state the appropriate citation. The citation will always begin with 143- 318.11(a). The numbers that follow in parenthesis will identify the particular closed session topic. For example: The citation 143-318.11(a)3)5) will allow the Council to consult with an attorney (#3) and to discuss the acquisition of real property (#5). S 143-318.11. Closed sessions. (a) Permitted Purposes. - It is the policy of this State that closed sessions shall be held only when required to permit a public body to act in the public interest as permitted in this section. A public body may hold a closed session and exclude the public only when a closed session is required: (1) To prevent the disclosure of information that is privileged or confidential pursuant to the law of this State or of the United States, or not considered a public record within the meaning ofChapter 132 ofthe General Statutes. (2) To prevent the premature disclosure of an honorary degree, scholarship, prize, or similar award. (3) To consult with an attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the public body, which privilege is hereby acknowledged. General policy matters may not be discussed in a closed session and nothing herein shall be construed to permit a public body to close a meeting that otherwise would be open merely because an attorney employed or retained by the public body is a participant. The public body may consider and give instructions to an attorney concerning the handling or settlement of a claim, judicial action, mediation, arbitration, or administrative procedure. If the public body has approved or considered a settlement, other than a malpractice settlement by or on behalf of a hospital, in closed session, the terms of that settlement shall be reported to the public body and entered into its minutes as soon as possible within a reasonable time after the settlement is concluded. (4) To discuss matters relating to the location or expansion ofi industries or other businesses in the area served by the public body, including agreement on a tentative list of economic development incentives that may be offered by the public body in negotiations, or to discuss matters relating to military installation closure or realignment. Any action approving the signing of an economic development contract or commitment, or the action authorizing the payment of economic development expenditures, shall be taken in an open session. (5) To establish, or to instruct the public body's staff or negotiating agents G.S. 143-318.11 Page 1 ITEM 14 concerning the position to be taken by or on behalf of the public body in negotiating (i) the price and other material terms of a contract or proposed contract for the acquisition of real property by purchase, option, exchange, or lease; or (ii) the amount of compensation and other material terms of an employment contract or proposed employment contract. (6) To consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee; or to hear or investigate a complaint, charge, or grievance by or against an individual public officer or employee. General personnel policy issues may not be considered in a closed session. A public body may not consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, appointment, or removal of a member of the public body or another body and may not consider or fill a vacancy among its own membership except in an open meeting. Final action making an appointment or discharge or removal by a public body having final authority for the appointment or discharge or removal shall be taken in an open meeting. (7) To plan, conduct, or hear reports concerning investigations of alleged criminal misconduct. (8) To formulate plans by a local board of education relating to emergency response to incidents of school violence or to formulate and adopt the school safety components of school improvement plans by a local board of education or a school improvement team. (9) To discuss and take action regarding plans to protect public safety as it relates to existing or potential terrorist activity and to receive briefings by staff members, legal counsel, or law enforcement or emergency service officials concerning actions taken or to be taken to respond to such activity. (10) To view a recording released pursuant to G.S. 132-1.4A. (b) Repealed by Session Laws 1991, C. 694, s. 4. (c) Calling a Closed Session. - A public body may hold a closed session only upon a motion duly made and adopted at an open meeting. Every motion to close a meeting shall cite one or more oft the permissible purposes listed in subsection (a) of this section. A motion based on subdivision (a)(1) of this section shall also state the name or citation ofthe law that renders the information to be discussed privileged or confidential. A motion based on subdivision (a)(3) of this section shall identify the parties in each existing lawsuit concerning which the public body expects to receive advice during the closed session. (d) Repealed by Session Laws 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), C. 570, S. 2. (1979, C. 655, S. 1; 1981, C. 831; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), C. 932, S. 5; 1991, C. 694, SS. 3, 4; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), C. 570, S. 2; 1995, C. 509, S. 84; 1997-222, S. 2; 1997-290, S. 2; 2001-500, S. 2; 2003-180, S. 2; 2013-360, S. 8.41(b); 2014-79, S. 9(a); 2016-88, S. 3.) G.S. 143-318.11 Page 2