Town of Hertford Public Hearing and Regular Session Meeting Monday, April 14, 2025 = 6:00 PM Horace Reid Community Center, 305 W Grubb Street The Council of the Town of Hertford held a Public Hearing and Regular Session Meeting at the Horace Reid Community Center on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 6:00 PM. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT Ashley Hodges, Mayor Sandra Anderson, Mayor Pro Tem Keith Rouse Rhonda Waters COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT Connie Brothers STAFF PRESENT Doris Walton, Interim Town Manager Gina Durante, Town Clerk Ashley Eure, Finance Director John Leidy, Attorney A quorum was present. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hodges called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The invocation was given by Councilman Rouse, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilwoman Waters motioned to approve the agenda, and Councilman Rouse Mayor Pro Tem Anderson seconded her motion. The motion carried 4-0. CONSENT AGENDA A motion to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of 1) March 10, 2025 Regular Session Minutes; and 2) March 24, 2025 Work Session Minutes was made by Mayor Pro Tem Anderson. Councilman Rouse seconded, and the motion passed, 4-0. CITIZENS CONCERNS Gracie Felton addressed Council regarding the increase in water and sewer costs. She questioned how many years will it keep increasing. April 14, 2025 Public Hearing and Regular Session Minutes 1 Connie Jaklic commented on how pleasantly surprised she is that new houses are being built in Hertford and the remodels of existing older homes and commercial businesses. She expressed the positivity in that for the Town. She asked if there will be any fireworks in Hertford for the Fourth of July. Ray McCormick shared his concern for the number of stray cats in Hertford. He asked if there is anything residents/citizens can do about it? PUBLIC HEARING At 6:13 PM, the Public Hearing was held to clarify the project description for the FY 28/13 Community Development Block Grant - Infrastructure (CDBG-1) Wastewater Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Project and allow residents an opportunity to express their views. Manager Walton introduced David Gale of Withers Ravenel to read the Memo summarizing the public hearing for the Town's FY18/23 Community Development Block Grant Infrastructure (CDBG-1) Program, being presented for adoption at the Town Council Meeting on April 28, 2025. Jake Siegel of Withers Ravenel read a second memo summarizing the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) / Assessment of Fari Housing (AFH) report required by the Town of Hertford for participation in the CDBG Infrastructure program. The town is eligible to participate in the following NC Small Cities Community Block Grant (CDBG) programs funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Mayor Hodges opened the floor for public comment. There was discussion regarding replacement parts, loan forgiveness, records of previous violations, and wastewater overflow. Mayor Hodges asked Council for questions and discussion. There were no questions or discussion. The Public Hearing closed at 6:44 PM. CONTINUED BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS a) Approve 6th Round of Upset Bid Process for 101, 103, and 105 Railroad Avenue The 5th Round of Upset Bid process for 101, 103, and 105 Railroad Avenue ended on April 3, 2025. Four bids were received with the highest bid to upset the April 14, 2025 Public Hearing and Regular Session Minutes 2 current high bid of $31,000 is $34,000. Manager Walton explained that the Town can either take the properties off the market or are required to put the properties out for a 6th round of the Upset Bid process. A motion was made by Counciwoman Waters to approve a 6th round for upset bids. Councilman Rouse seconded, and the motion passed 4-0. b) Approval of Archsmith Studio to restore Hertford State Theatre Manager Walton reminded Council that in August 2024, a Rural Downtown Economic Development grant from the State Department of Commerce was awarded to the Town in the amount of $850,000. In February, an RFQ was put out for the historical preservation and renovations for the theatre. We received no responses, SO we reissued that RFQ, including advertising in the Daily Advance. Archsmith Studio was the only response we received. After reviewing the RFQ, Manager Walton is recommending that Council approve Archsmith Studio for the restoration of the Hertford State Theatre. Councilman Rouse made a motion to approve Archsmith Studio's proposal and begin negotiations on a contract to restore the Hertford State Theatre. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Anderson, and it passed unanimously, 4-0. c) Budget Amendments Budget Amendments FY25-38 1) Move funds from Planning Staff and Development to Advertising to cover the advertising cost of the Railroad houses. 2) Move funds from Water Contingencies to Utilities and Communication to cover utility costs for the rest of the fiscal year. 3) Employee salaries were entered into the system with different percentages than what was budgeted. 4) Employee salaries were entered into the system with different percentages than what was budgeted. 5) Employee health insurance amount was entered into the system incorrectly. Decrease Planning Staff & Development 10-5610-513 $870.92 Increase Planning Advertising 10-5610-515 $870.92 Decrease Water Contingencies 51-5820-577 $21,934.00 Increase Water Utilities & Communication 51-5820-526 $21,934.00 Decrease Governing Body Salaries 10-5100-411 $37,858.10 Increase Admin Salaries 10-5210-411 $37,858.10 April 14, 2025 Public Hearing and Regular Session Minutes 3 Decrease Planning Salaries 10-5610-411 $16,687.71 Increase Admin Salaries 10-5210-411 $16,687.71 Decrease Water Salaries 51-5820-411 $8,228.48 Increase Electric Bank Fees 51-5280-425 $8,228.48 Mayor Pro Tem Anderson made a motion to approve Budget Amendment FY25- 38. Councilwoman Waters seconded, and the motion passed, 4-0. Budget Amendment FY25-39 1) Move funds from Training and Travel in Council and Administration to Dues and Subscriptions in Council and Administration to cover the increased cost of Zoom. 2) Move funds from Fire Supplies to Fire Fuel to cover the cost of fuel the rest of the fiscal year. Decrease Council Training & Travel 10-5100-513 $1,445.12 Increase Council Dues & Subscriptions 10-5100-534 $1,445.12 Decrease Admin Training & Travel 10-5210-513 $1,223.88 Increase Admin Dues & Subscriptions 10-5210-534 $1,233.88 Decrease Fire Supplies 39-5400-551 $1,000.00 Increase Fire Fuel 39-5400-553 $1,000.00 Councilman Rouse made a motion to approve Budget Amendment FY25-39. Mayor Pro Tem Anderson seconded, and the motion passed, 4-0. Budget Amendment FY25-40 Move funds from Training and Travel and Vehicle Maintenance to Water Capital Outlay to replace half of the compressed air driven values in the Water Plant. We have budgeted in the FY25-26 to replace the other half. Decrease Water Travel & Training 51-5820-513 $1,641.76 Decrease Water Vehicle Maintenance 51-5820-524 $4,157.47 Decrease Water Building Maintenance 51-5820-522 $1,355.47 Increase Water Capital Outlay 51-5820-561 $7,154.70 Councilman Rouse made a motion to approve Budget Amendment FY25-40. Councilwoman Waters seconded, and the motion passed, 4-0. April 14, 2025 Public Hearing and Regular Session Minutes 4 d) Street Closure Ordinance for Memorial Day May 24, 2025 Street Closure is required for the safety and enjoyment of the American Legion Memorial Day Ceremony. Church Street will be close from Grubb Street to Market Street, from 9 AM to 1:30 PM. Mayor Pro Tem Anderson made a motion to approve Ordinance FY25-16. Councilman Rouse seconded, and the motion passed, 4-0 e) Budget Overview for Consideration Manager Walton updated Council on the results for alternate health insurance for the Town staff as NCLM will no longer be providing health insurance coverage. She also informed Council that we are entering our 4th year of increase to the basic sewer charge and rates by 2.4%. She is recommending a $2.00 increase to the basic electric charges for residents and businesses. Solid waste (trash service) will increase from $15 to $18 and remain at $18 for the next two years. Manager Walton is recommending a 3% COLA for Town Employees. She is asking Council to approve a $0.03 increase on property taxes to fund the COLA. Manager Walton is recommending that Council donations totaling $10,000 be removed. She informed Council that the Perquimans County Sheriff's Office has asked for an additional $25,000 in their contribution from the Town. Manager Walton will present two versions of the FY25-26 Budget, one with 3% COLA and the other without. MANAGER'S UPDATE Manager Walton informed Council that The Landings at Albemarle's first payment installment for their delinquent account has been received. We expect the second and final installment to be received by June 10th, 2025. The budget schedule has been slightly delayed due to the information from the County we are waiting on. Four applications have been received for the Historic Preservation Commission. Three of those applicants do have the specific credentials necessary to sit on that board. We would like to have a five-chair board. Manager Walton and Janice Cole sent applications to two potential candidates to complete. Three Robo-calls have been made, door hangers hung, and online posts asking residents to clear the area around their water meters to prepare for the replacement meters. The Town will not be responsible for damage to any personal items left in those areas that residents have been asked to clear. There is a scheduled power outage on April 27, 2025 at 12:01 AM through 5:00 AM. There is a necessary repair to be done at one of our substations. April 14, 2025 Public Hearing and Regular Session Minutes 5 Commercial building and business owners were sent a building registration form to complete regarding vacant commercial buildings in accordance with the ordinance that those structures must be kept to a minimum guideline outlined in the ordinance. We have received ONE registration, and that is from Charles Purser who purchased the gas station across from the One Stop. On April 15 there will be a smart meter presentation at HHA to inform residents of how those meters operate. Today, April 14th, is North Carolina Lineworker Day. Manager Walton recognized James Hanks and Michael Holmes for their dedication and hard work for the Town. Yellow lines on the curbs where fire hydrants reside have been repainted at the request of the Sheriff's Office. Manager Walton stated that the Town doesn't sponsor the fireworks, but we will help with the event. Last year, the Town assisted in games, scheduling food trucks, prepping the venue, securing a DJ, EMS onsite, etc. COUNCIL CONCERNSIREPORIS Councilwoman Waters had no concerns and no report. Councilman Rouse shared that several people have asked him why the cemetery hasn't been mowed? Public Works Director Chad White stated that we have a contract with a company to mow our cemeteries twice a month. PW Director White has already reached out to them to begin mowing, but he will follow up after hearing this information. Mayor Pro Tem Anderson reminded everyone that the Betsy Dowdy Fest will be April 26th The event will start with The Rotary Pancake Breakfast available at Holy Trinity Church from 7 AM = 12 PM. The official hours of the festival are 9 AM = 7 PM. Mayor Hodges thanked PW Director White and the Administration staff for all their work and information on the budget process. In reference to the citizen concern regarding the stray cats, he noted that Animal Control through the Perquimans County Sheriff's Office could be contacted. Mayor Hodges addressed Ms. Felton's concerns about rate increases. He explained different scenarios that force rate increases and those that would prevent rate increases. Growth in our Town, which would lead to growth in our customer base, would prevent rate increases. ANNOUNCEMENTS None, but Manager Walton added that the cemetery was cleaned about 10 days ago. She also noted that there are signs posted regarding allowable items to be set at gravesites. April 14, 2025 Public Hearing and Regular Session Minutes 6 ADJOURNMENT A motion and a second were made by Counciwoman Waters and Councilman Rouse to adjourn the meeting at 8:06 PM. The motion passed unanimously. April 14, 2025 Public Hearing and Regular Session Minutes 7 ASHLEY HODGES CHARTER COMMISSIONERS: MAYOR BeTTE 7> SANDRA ANDERSON DORIS WALTON MAYOR PRO TEM INTERIM TOWN MANAGER CONNIE BROTHERS GINA M. DURANTE HERTFORD: TOWN CLERK KEITH ROUSE JOHN LEIDY O RHONDA WATERS TOWN ATTORNEY EAIOLNT CERTIFIED TRUE COPY OF TOWN COUNCIL OF HERTFORD MINUTES I, Gina M. Durante, Clerk of the Town ofHertford, do hereby certify that the following is a true and correct copy ofthe minutes of the meeting ofthe Hertford Town Council held on April 14, 2025, at the Horace Reid Community Center, 305 W. Grubb Street, Hertford, NC 27944. The minutes were unanimously approved during the Hertford Town Council Work Session held on April 28, 2025, at the Horace Reid Community Center, 305 W. Grubb Street, Hertford, NC 27944, after a motion from Councilwoman Connie Brothers and a second from Councilwoman Rhonda Waters to approve the minutes from April 14, 2025. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal ofthe Town ofHertford on this 29th day of April, 2025. ng.m.Dwarg Gina M. Durante, Clerk GINAL & SeaE 1759 TH N Town of! Hertford e P.O. Box 32 e 114 West Grubb e Hertford, North Carolina 27944 Phone (252) 426-5311 e Fax (252) 426-7060