River Bend Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 20, 2025 Town Hall 7:00 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 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the River Bend Town Hall with a quorum present. VOTE - Agenda - Addition / Deletion Councilman Weaver motioned to amend the agenda by adding Designation of Applicant's Agent as item 11C. 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 Benton moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously. Within this motion, the following items were approved: 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 TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT The Manager gave the following updates: - The bid opening for WWTP Enhancements, Phase 1 is April 3 at 2:00. He stated this is the third time soliciting bids. The Pickleball bid proposal has been re-bid after not receiving any bids at the first bid opening. .The Town has received official notification of the $3.5 million grant and the $7 million loan offer for the town's water and sewer projects. River Bend Town Council Regular Session Minutes March: 20, 2025 2of10 The BIRM media replacement project should be completed within one week. There were issues with rental equipment that prevented it from being completed sooner. The Town has received the digital sign trailer, and it is set up at the entrance of Town Hall as a demonstration. The Town will have an intern in the Finance Department over the summer that is funded by the Golden Leaf Foundation. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS PARKS & RECREATION - Councilman Weaver Councilman Weaver provided the following report from the March meeting. Bingo Night was a great success with 48 attendees, and all requested to repeat the event. The Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for April 19 from 2-4 PM at the River Bend Country Club. In addition to the hunt, there will be crafts for the kids, face painting and a magician. The Board is planning several events in May to mark Mental Health Awareness Month including a Mother's Day Wellness Brunch on May 4, an outdoor Yoga class on May 10 and a 5k fun run later in the month. In June, the Board is planning to hold another Blood Drive and a Music in the Park event. He stated that all meetings are open to the public. RIVER BEND COMMUNITY ORGANIC GARDEN Councilman Weaver gave the following report from the March meeting: Bingo Night was a great success with 48 attendees, and all requested to repeat the event. The Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for April 19 from 2-4 PM at the River Bend Country Club. In addition to the hunt, there will be crafts for the kids, face painting and a magician. The Board is planning several events in May to mark Mental Health Awareness Month including a Mother's Day Wellness Brunch on May 4, an outdoor Yoga class on May 10 and a 5k fun run later in the month. In June, the Board is planning to hold another Blood Drive and a Music in the Park event. CAC - Councilwoman Benton Councilwoman Benton gave the following report from the March meeting: CAC met on March 19 and discussed upcoming events, such as the Festive Awards, Arbor Day and a possible fall hayride. Their next meeting is May 21 at 4:00 pm at the Municipal Building. At this time Mayor Bledsoe read the 2025 Arbor Day Proclamation. (see attached) FINANCE - Councilman Leonard Financial Report Finance Director, Mandy Gilbert, presented the financial statement for the month of February to the Council. She stated the total of the Town's Cash and Investments as of February 28, 2025, were $3,253,170 and Ad Valorem Tax Collections for FY24-25 were $944,739 and Vehicle Ad Valorem Tax Collections were $70,463. Discussion = Water Supply Study Plan Resolution The Manager stated that the Water Study Supply Plan was completed in September 2024 and that it was a fully funded grant project. He stated that he has requested the final reimbursement owed to the town for the project and was told that the presented resolution is the only remaining document needed to receive the reimbursement. VOTE - Water Supply Study Plan Resolution Councilman Leonard motioned to approve the Water Supply Study Resolution as presented. The motion carried unanimously. (see attached) River Bend" Town Council Regular Session Minutes March: 20, 2025 Discussion = Designation of Applicant's Agent Resolution 3of10 The Manager stated that the Designation of Applicant's Agent Resolution is required to apply for a grant for HGMP Funding. VOTE = Designation of Applicant's Agent Resolution Councilman Leonard motioned to approve the Designation of Applicant's Agent Resolution as presented. The motion carried unanimously. (see attached) PUBLIC SAFETY = Councilwoman Noonan Counciwoman Noonan stated that Community Watch met on Wednesday, February 26 at 6:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building and Luci Avery has resigned due to relocating. She stated they are in need of volunteers and the next meeting is June 18, 2025. Discussion - Pamlico Sound Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan The Manager stated that the 2025 Pamlico Sound Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan had been presented to the Council at a previous meeting and displayed a copy of the plan if the public wished to view it. VOTE - Pamlico Sound Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Councilwoman Noonan motioned to approve the Pamlico Sound Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Resolution as presented. The motion carried unanimously. (see attached) MAYOR'S REPORT The Mayor presented the following report. As I come to the end of my first three months as Mayor, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported me during this transition into my new role. I deeply appreciate all the advice, suggestions, and encouragement I've received along the way. While I'm on the topic of thanks, I 1 would especially like to recognize our hard-working Public Works team for their quick and effective response during the recent snow and ice storms. During the ice storm, we not only faced a 12-hour power outage but also had numerous tree oranches fall, some of which olocked our streets. Thanks to the dedication and swift actions of our Public Works department, all our streets were clear by mid-morning, even before the ice had fully melted. They've done an outstanding job, and I want to take this opportunity to applaud their efforts. Currently, our Public Works team is working on an important and labor-intensive project- replacing the Birm water filter media to improve the quality of our drinking water here in the Town of River Bend. This project is crucial for our community's well-being, and I'm grateful for their continued hard work. As mentioned, Arbor Day is this week, and we'll be dedicating a tree on Saturday morning. I hope to see you there, even as I fumble through my Arbor Day speech! Thank you all for being here tonight, and may God bless you in all your endeavors. CLOSED SESSION Councilman Sheffield motioned to go into Closed Session under NCSG $743-318.17(a/3) to consult with our attorney. The Council entered Closed Session at 7:32 p.m. OPEN SESSION Councilman Sheffield motioned to return to Open Session at 8:28 p.m. The motion carried unanimously. River Bend' Town Council Regular Session Minutes March: 20, 2025 4of10 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Councilman Sheffield moved to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m. Sstust nols Kristie J. Nobles, MMC Town Clerk River Bend" Town Council Regular Session Minutes March 20, 2025 TOWN OF RIVER BEND 45 Shoreline Drive River Bend, NC 28562 T 252.638.3870 F 252.638.2580 www.verbendnc.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 oft trees, and WHEREAS, this holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the planting of more than a 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 ofj joy 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 oft this and future generations. HEREUNTO, I set my hand and cause the Seal oft the Town of River Bend to be affixed this 20th day of March, 2025. Mark Bledsoe Mayor Attest: ) a Kist5-noes 5 Kristie J. Nobles, MMC, NCCMC - Town Clerk 1981 TH CARO River Bend Town Council Regular Session Minutes March2 20, 2025 6of10 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 - 6 $ INCORPORATED (SêE AL 1981 Mistrs hdpa - Kristie J. Nobles, NCCMC, MMC, Town Clerk River Bend" Town Council Regular Session Minutes March2 20, 2025 7of10 RESOLUTION DESIGNATION OF APPLICANT'S AGENT North Carolina Division ofE Emergency Management Organization' Name (hereafter named Organization) Disaster Number: Town of River Bend 4827- Helene Applicant's State Cognizant Agency for Single Audit purposes (If Cognizant Agency is not assigned, please indicate): N/A Applicant's Fiscal Year (FY) Start Month: July Day: 1 Applicant's Federal Employer's Identification Number 56 1291141 Applicant's Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) Number 3 704 PRIMARY AGENT SECONDARY AGENT Agent's Name Delane Jackson Agent's] Name Amanda Gilbert Organization Town of River Bend Organization Town of River Bend Official Position Town Manager Official Position Finance Director Mailing Address Mailing Address 45 Shoreline Drive + 45 Shoreline Drive E City, State, Zip New Bern, NC 28562 City State, Zip New Bern, NC 28562 Daytime Telephone Daytime Telephone (252) 638-3870 (252) 638-3870 Facsimile Number Facsimile Number Pager or Cellular Number Pager or Cellular Number BEI ITI RESOLVED: BY the govering body ofthe Organization (ap public entity duly organized under the laws ofthe State ofNorth Carolina) thatt the above-named: Primary and Secondary Agents arel hereby authorized to execute and file applications for federal and/or state assistance on behalf oft the Organization for the purpose ofc obtaining certain state and federal financial assistance under thel Robert' T. Stafford Disaster Relief & Emergency Assistance Act, (Public Law 93-288 as amended) or as otherwise available. BEI ITI FURTHER RESOLVED that the above-named agents are authorized tor represent and act for the Organization ina all dealings with the State of North Carolina and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for allt matters pertaining to such disaster assistance required by the grant agreements and the: assurances printed on the reverse side hereof. BEI IT FINALLYI RESOLVED THAT the above-named agents are authorized to act severally. PASSED. AND APPROVED this 20th dayof March 2025 GOVERNING BODY CERTIFYING OFFICIAL Name and Title Name Mark Bledsoe, Mayor Kristie J. Nobles Name and" Title Official Position Town Clerk Name and' Title Daytime Telephone (252) 638-3870 CERTIFICATION Kristie J. Nobles Town Clerk , (Name) duly appointed and (Title) ofthe Governing Body, do hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy ofai resolution passed and approved by the Governing Body of River Bend (Organization) on the 20th day of March 2025, Date: March 20, 2025 Signature: hustegnol - Rev. 06/02 - 6 $ INCORPORATED A SEAL 0 1981 River Bend" Town Council Regular Session Minutes March: 20, 2025 8of10 APPLICANT ASSURANCES The applicant! hereby assures ando certifies thatitwill comply with thel FEMAI regulations, policies, guidelines andi requirements including OMB's Circulars No. A-95 andA A-102, and FMC 74-4, ast they relate tot thea application, acceptance and use ofFederalf funds fort this Federally assistedp project. Also, the Applicant gives assurance and certifies with respectt to and as a condition fort the grant that: 15. Itv will complyv with the provisions of the. Hatch Acty which limit the political 1.1 ltpossesses legal authority to apply for the grant, andt to finance and construct the activity ofe employees. proposedf facities;t thata ar resolution, motion or similar action has been duly adopted or passed as an official act oft the applicant's governing body, authorizing the filing ofthe 16. Itwill comply with the minimum wage and maximum hours provisions of the application, including all understandings and assurances contained therein, and direcling Federal Fair Labor Standards/ Act, as they applyt toh hospital ande educational anda authorizingt thep person identified ast the officialr representative oft thes applicant tos actin institution employees of State andl local governments. connection with the application and to provide such additional information as may ber required. 17.( (Tot thet besto ofh his/her knowledge and! belief) the disaster relief work described on 2. Itwill complyv with the provisions of Executive Order 11988, relating to Floodplain each Federal Emergency Management. Agency (FEMA)E Project Application for which Management and Executive Order 11990, relating! to! Protection ofV Wetlands. Federal Financial assistance ist requestedi is eligiblei in accordance with the criteria contained in 44 Code ofF Federal Regulations, Part2 206, and applicable FEMA 3. Itwillh have sufficient funds available to meet the non-Federal: share ofthe cost for Handbooks. construction projects. Sufficient funds willl be available when construction! is completed to assure effective operation and maintenance ofthe facilily for the purpose constructed. 18. The emergency or disaster relief work therein described for which Federal Assistance isr requestedh hereunder does not orv willr not duplicate benefits 4. Itwillr not enter into a construction contract(s) fort the projecto or undertake receivedi for the same losst from another source. other activities until the conditions of theg grantp program(s) have! been met 19. Itwill (1)provide without cost tot the United States alll lands, easements and 5. Itwillp provide andi maintain competent and adequate architectural engineering rights-ofwayr necessary for accomplishments of the approved work; (2)! holda and supervision and inspection at the construction site toi insure that the completed save the United States free from damages due to the approved work or Federal funding. work conforms with the approved plans and specifications; thatitwill furnish progress reports and: such other information as the Federal grantor agency may need, 20. This assurancei is giveni in consideration of and for the purpose of obtaining any and all Federal grants, loans, reimbursements, advances, contracts, property, 6.1 Itwill operate and maintain thet facilityina accordance with the minimum discounts of other Federalf financial assistance extended after the date hereoftot the standards ast may be required orp presctibed! by the applicable Federal, State Applicant by FEMA, that such Federal Financial assistance will be extended inr reliance andl local agencies fort ther maintenance and operation ofsuch facilities. ont the representations and agreements madei in this assurance andi thatt thel United States shall have the righttos seekj judiciale enforcement oft this assurance, This 7.1 Itwill give the grantor agency and the Comptroller General, through any assurancei is binding ont the applicant, its successors, transferees, and assignees, authorized representative, accesst to and the rightt to examine allr records, andt thep person or personsy whose signatures appear on the reverse as authorized to books, papers, or documents related toi theg grant. sign this assurance on behalf oft the applicant. 8.1 Itwill requiret thei faclity tol be designed toc comply with the' American 21.Itwill complywitht thet floodi insurance purchaser requirements of Section 102(a)of Standard Specifications for Making Buildings andF Facilities Accessible to, thel Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, Public Law 93-234, 87 Stat 975, approved and Usablet by the Physically Handicapped," Number A117.1 1-1961, as modified December 31, 1973. Section 102(a)r requires, on and after March 2, 1975, thep purchase (41 CFR 101-17-7031). The applicanty will be responsible for conducting offloodi insurance inc communities where suchi insurancei is available as a conditionf for inspections to insure compliance with these specifications by the contractor. ther receipto of any Federalf financial assistance for construction or acquisition purposes for usei in any area that! has beeni identified! by the Director, Federal Emergency 9. Itwill causes work on the projectt tob bec commenced within ar reasonable time Management Agency as an area having special floodh hazards. The phrase "Federal afterr receipt of notification from the approving Federal agencyt that funds financial assistance" includes any form ofl floan, grant, guaranty, insurance payment, havel been approved and will seel thatwork ont thep projectv will be prosecuted rebate, subsidy, disaster assistance loan org grant, or any other form of direct ori indirect toc completion withr reasonable diligence. Federala assistance. 10. Itwilr not dispose of or encumberi itst title or otheri interests in the site and 22, Itwill comply with the insurance requirements of Section314, PLS 93-288, to facilities duringt thep period ofFederali interesto or while the Govermentholds oblain andr maintain any other insurance ast may ber reasonable, adequate, bonds, whichever ist thel longer. andi necessaryt to protecta against further loss to any propertywhichy was replaced, restored,r repaired, or constructed with this assistance. 11. Itagreest to comply with Section 311, P.L. 93-288 and with Title Vi oft the Civil Rights Acto of 1964 (P.L. 83-352)a andi in accordancer with Title VId of the Act, 23.ltwillo defer funding of any projectsi involving flexiblef funding until FEMA nop person in the United States shall, ont the ground of race, color, or national makes al favorable environmental clearance, ifthis is required. origin, bee excludedi from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwises subjected toc discrimination under any program or activily forv which the 24. Itwill assist the Federal grantor agencyi ini its compliance with Section 106 of applicantr receives Federal financial assistance andi willi immediately take any the! National HistoricP Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, (16 U.S.C. 470), measurest necessary to effectuate this agreement. Ifanyr real property or structure Executive Order1 11593, and the Archeological and! Historic Preservation Act of is provided ori improved with the aid ofFederal financial assistance extendedt tot the 1966 (16 U.S.C. 469a-16 ets tseq,)by( consulling with the State Historic Applicant, this assurance shall obligate the Applicant, orint the case of any transfer Preservation Officer on thec conduct toi finvestigations, asr necessary, identify ofsuch property, any transferee, for thep period during which ther real propertlyo or properties listedi in or eligible fori inclusion in the National Register rofHistoric structurei is used for ap purpose forv which the Federal financiala assistance is extended places thata are subjectt to adverse effects (see 36 CFRI Part 800,8)byt the activily, orf for another purposei involving the provision of similar services or benefits. andr nolifying the Federal grantor agency oft thee existence ofa fanys such properties, andi by ()complyingy with allr requirements established! byt the Federal grantor agency 12.Itwille establish safeguards top prohibit employees from usingt their positions to avoid orr mitigate adverse effects upon such properties. fora ap purpose that is or gives the appearance of beingr motivated bya a desire forp private gainf fort themselves or others, particularlyt those with whom they have 25.ltwill, for any repairs or construction financed herewith, complyv with family, business, or othert ties. applicable standards of safely, decency and sanitation andino conformity with applicable codes, spedifications and standards; and, wille evaluate the 13. Itwill comply with the requirements ofTitlel Ila and" Title Ill oft thel Uniform naturalh hazards ina areas in which the proceeds oftheg grantork loan are to be Relocation Assistance and! Real Property Acquisitions Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-646) used and take appropriate action to mitigate such hazards, including safe which providest for fair and equitablet treatment ofp persons displaceda as aresulto of land use and construction practices. Federal andF Federally assisted programs. STATEASSURANCES 14.1 Itwill comply with allr requirements imposed byt thel Federal grantora agency concernings specialr requirements oflaw, program requirements, and other The State agrees to take any necessary action within State capabilities to require administrative requirements approvedi in accordance with OMB Circular A-102, compliance with these assurances anda agreements by the applicant or to assume P.L. 93-288 as amended, and applicable Federal Regulations. responsibiliyt toi the Federal govemment for any deficiencies notr resolved tot the satisfaction oft the Regional Director. River Bend Town Council Regular Session Minutes March: 20,2025 9of10 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. River Bend Town Council Regular Session Minutes March 20, 2025 10of10 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. 1 Mark Bledsoe, Mayor 6 * INCORPORATED (Seabo - SEAL Justis2 hala 1981 Kristie J. Nobles, NCCMC, MMC, Town Clerk