5/21/25, 2:26F PM Regular Meeting of the City Council 1833 MINUTES Regular Meeting of the City Council 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, 2025 317 S. Madison Street, Whiteville, NC, 28472 The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Whiteville was called to order on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., at 317 S. Madison Street, Whiteville, NC, 28472. 1) ROLL CALL PRESENT: Terry Mann, Kevin Williamson, Jimmy Clarida, Tim Collier, Joshua Harris, and Vickie Pait ABSENT: Helen B Holden OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Darren Currie, City Manager; Heather Dowless, City Clerk; Carlton Williamson, City Attorney; Colburn Brown, Finance Director; Nathan Guyton, Wastewater Treatment Director; Robert Lewis, Planning Director; Paul Rockenbach, Police Chief; David Yergeau, Fire Chief; Joseph Williams (The News Reporter) 2) CALL TO ORDER Call to Order by Mayor Mann at 6:30 p.m. 3) INVOCATION Invocation provided by Council Member Clarida. 4) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Mann. 5) ADOPTION OF AGENDA Vickie Pait MOVED to approve the Adoption of the Agenda. Tim Collier SECONDED the motion. VOTE: 6-0 (Unanimous) Yeas: 6 (Terry Mann, Kevin Williamson, Jimmy Clarida, Tim Collier, Joshua Harris, Vickie Pait) Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Helen B Holden) 6) APPROVAL OF MINUTES 6.1) Consideration for Approval of Minutes for City Council Meeting (April 22, 2025) Jimmy Clarida MOVED to approve the Minutes for City Council Meeting (April 22, 2025). Joshua Harris SECONDED the motion. VOTE: 6-0 (Unanimous) Yeas: 6 (Terry Mann, Kevin Williamson, Jimmy Clarida, Tim Collier, Joshua Harris, Vickie Pait) Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Helen B Holden) 7) PUBLIC COMMENT None 8) PRESENTATION 8.1) Ken Clark, District Engineer from NCDOT Presentation for Sidewalk Extensions httne lhahit te villa r ranici e nm/MA Aini tocliowie ar nhn? clin id=307R4 or ids Inda- 3652-11f fN-R56f. nn 0546 1/5 5/21/25, 2:26 PM Regular Meeting of the City Council Ken Clark, District Engineer with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, presented Council with information regarding Sidewalk Extensions. Mr. Clark presented Council with a proposal for two sidewalk projects along US 701, in the area from Lewis Street to Williamson Street. The project includes sidewalk extensions on city streets and crossing improvements. Additional projects include sidewalk extensions along NCDOT roads, crosswalk areas, fencing in median, etc. These projects will receive federal funding, with NCDOT covering the matching funds. Local support by the governing body is needed, as City Council will be requested to vote and approve a resolution at its regular scheduled Council Meeting on May 27, 2025. Joshua Harris MOVED to approve the preparation of a Resolution of support for these noted NCDOT projects. Tim Collier SECONDED the motion. VOTE: 6-0 (Unanimous) Yeas: 6 (Terry Mann, Kevin Williamson, Jimmy Clarida, Tim Collier, Joshua Harris, Vickie Pait) Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Helen B Holden) 9) BUSINESS 9.1) Appointment for ABC Board Darren Currie, City Manager, presented Council with information regarding an Appointment to the ABC Board. Mr. Currie stated that Bobby Deans, who served on the ABC Board, recently passed. Mr. Currie stated he had spoken with Gary Bass, Chairman of the ABC Board. Staff is recommending that Bill Memory be appointed to serve the remainder of the unexpired term of Mr. Deans. Kevin Williamson MOVED to approve the appointment of Bill Memory to the ABC Board for the remainder of the unexpired term. Jimmy Clarida SECONDED the motion. VOTE: 6-0 (Unanimous) Yeas: 6 (Terry Mann, Kevin Williamson, Jimmy Clarida, Tim Collier, Joshua Harris, Vickie Pait) Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Helen B Holden) 9.2) Discussion on Columbus County's recent change for collecting City Taxes Mr. Currie presented Council with information regarding Columbus County's recent change for collecting City Taxes. Columbus County has approved a new rate for collecting tax revenues for municipalities. The County has voted to charge the municipalities 3% of total revenues. Currently, the City has been charged $3.00 per account for collection of current year taxes. At 3% of total revenues, it will cost the City of Whiteville approximately $75,000 annually for property tax collections. With the addition of the storm water fees at $9,139 and the Downtown Service District tax, it will cost the City approximately $85,000 annually. This equates to two cents ($0.02)/$100 in valuation. It was noted this was "piecemeal" work and should be billed as such. By using a percentage, the City will never get ahead on this. Each time revenues go up, either by increased development or by re-evaluation, the City's fees will increase. This increase could possibly well outpace increases on the County's side. The County Commissioners also stated this should be evaluated annually. No discussions have taken place with staff on this matter. Council was given the information that the Commissioners were provided by the County staff at their January meeting, where they originally voted on 4% for the collection rate. The City then notified Columbus County of the current agreement that was established in 2010. In that agreement, there was a requirement to provide a 120-day notice if the agreement was to be changed. Mayor Mann, Council Member Clarida, and Mr. Currie attended the County Commissioners Meeting, and Mayor Mann and Mr. Currie shared concerns with the httns" whiteville aranicus com/MinutesViewer nhn?clin id=307&.doc id-b2ea40de-3653-10-856E0005056489546 2/5 5/21/25, 2:26 PM Regular Meeting of the City Council Commissioners regarding the tax collection issue. Council was provided with a copy of the correspondence sent to the County in April, including a proposal for consideration. There was no response from the County. Despite efforts to meet and negotiate with the County on this issue, there was no such meeting and no such negotiation. Mr. Brown presented two separate options to Council in regards to Property Tax Collection. Option 1, which allows the County to collect these taxes, includes the 3% of total revenues. Option 2, which allows the City to collect these taxes, includes the software vendor cost of $26,500 in Year 1. In comparing the collection fees and associated costs with both Option 1 and Option 2, Option 2 would be a savings to the City of $314,746. It was also noted that proceeds from Tropical Storm Debby could be used to cover the initial software cost for City collections. It was noted that any tax payments made under Option 2 would be paid directly to the City with no delay. When payments are made through the County, it can take between 6-8 weeks before the City receives these funds. It was also noted that the County offers a 2% discount for taxes paid early, which equates to a loss in revenue, for which the City does not budget. The City of Whiteville collected its own property taxes until 2010, and it has that capability now. The City's software system, Edmunds, has the module to allow for the City's tax collection. The City can handle this collection in-house, with no additional hiring necessary. Mr. Brown noted many of the City's utility payments are made online, and this will be an option for tax payments as well. Mr. Currie stated a tax section would be added to the City's website. Marketing for this change in collections would also be done, noting the billing would begin in July 2025. There will also be discussions on how to handle any delinquent taxes. Joshua Harris MOVED to approve Option 2, which allows City Collection of Property Taxes. Tim Collier SECONDED the motion. VOTE: 6-0 (Unanimous) Yeas: 6' (Terry Mann, Kevin Williamson, Jimmy Clarida, Tim Collier, Joshua Harris, Vickie Pait) Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Helen B Holden) 9.3) Easements and Agreements for Entry on the Lee, Madison, and Franklin Roundabout Mr. Currie presented Council with information regarding Easements and Agreements for Entry on the Lee Street, Madison Street, and Franklin Street Roundabout. Council was provided with the design drawings of the proposed roundabout at the Lee Street, Franklin Street, and Madison Street intersection. Council was also provided with an Agreement for Entry to the City's property, a Temporary Easement, a Summary Slatement/Contingent Offer to Purchase Real Property due to Acquisition of Right of Way, and a Deed of Right of Way. These documents need approval from City Council. The North Carolina Department of Transportation sent the necessary forms and have placed the City Manager's signature section on the documents. With approval, Council would authorize the Manager to sign these documents. The offer for the property, located on the edge of the swamp, is $575. Mr. Currie noted the project was funded in part by the Carbon Footprint Reduction Grant, and would begin next year. Jimmy Clarida MOVED to approve the noted Easements and Agreements with the North Carolina Department of Transportation in regards to the Lee Street, Madison Street, and Franklin Street Roundabout project. Vickie Pait SECONDED the motion. VOTE: 6-0 (Unanimous) Yeas: 6 (Terry Mann, Kevin Williamson, Jimmy Clarida, Tim Collier, Joshua Harris, Vickie Pait) Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Helen B Holden) nttne lhahit te illa anici e nm/Mini stacl liauar hi lin ids d lo- R6 R66f. nn5 n 546 3/5 5/21/25, 2:26 PM Regular Meeting of the City Council 9.4) FYE2025 Budget Amendments #3 through #6 Mr. Brown presented Council with the FYE2025 Budget Amendments #3 through #6. Budget Amendment #3 adjusts the budget for Vineland for actual revenue performance and incurred expenses, including an increase of $20,266 in Facility Rental Income. Budget Amendment #4 allows the City to record insurance proceeds and the associated expenditures related to damages to Fire Engine Pierce 2020. Budget Amendment #5 allows the City to record the latest updates to the Provalus Building Project, including the necessary roof replacement. Budget Amendment #6 allows the City to record Tropical Storm Debby Proceeds and associated expenditures. Jimmy Clarida MOVED to approve FYE2025 Budget Amendments #3 through #6. Tim Collier SECONDED the motion. VOTE: 6-0 (Unanimous) Yeas: 6 (Terry Mann, Kevin Williamson, Jimmy Clarida, Tim Collier, Joshua Harris, Vickie Pait) Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Helen B Holden) 9.5) FYE2025 Financial Audit Contract Mr. Brown presented Council with the FYE2025 Financial Audit Contract with Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams, & Co, P.A. The Local Government Commission requires this contract be approved every year. This is an annual contract in the amount of $18,750. Vickie Pait MOVED to approve the Audit Contract with Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams, and Co, P.A. Jimmy Clarida SECONDED the motion. VOTE: 6-0 (Unanimous) Yeas: 6 (Terry Mann, Kevin Williamson, Jimmy Clarida, Tim Collier, Joshua Harris, Vickie Pait) Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Helen B Holden) 10) COUNCIL COMMENTS Council Member Collier asked if all food trucks operating in the City had paid the necessary fees. Mr. Lewis stated some had not. Mr. Lewis stated for a food truck to operate in the City, it must have the property owner's consent, as well as completing the application process and paying the associated fee. Mr. Lewis stated the City would make sure any food trucks operating in the City have completed these necessary requirements. Mayor Pro Tem Williamson inquired about mobile vendors, such as a roadside vendor selling vegetables and other produce. Mr. Lewis stated he would look into this issue. Council Member Clarida stated he observed City staff checking canals during the recent rains. Mayor Mann, Council Member Clarida, and Council Member Harris recently attended City Vision. They noted that after hearing from several others across the state at this event, the City of Whiteville is doing very well. Mayor Mann noted that many municipalities in the state have a population of less than 5,000. The City of Whiteville has done a great job attracting and retaining good employees. 11) REPORTS 11.1) Manager's Update for May 13, 2025 Mr. Currie presented Council with the Manager's Update for May 13, 2025. Mr. Currie thanked Council and Department Heads for getting the best staff available. The City has a good staff that is very capable. The Provalus Project is moving along well. The City should have the last estimate on the necessary roof replacement soon. ln Prlin n n 78 n id-hOos40da. 2652. 11f0. R5AF. nn 15 5r n AROEAE 1/5 5/21/25, 2:26 PM Regular Meeting oft the City Council The Airport Water and Sewer Project has begun. The contractor is on site and is installing the sewer line now. The project should meet the schedule for completion unless there is a major delay with rain or obtaining pump station parts. Mr. Currie and Mr. Brown should have the Budget information available by the next Council Meeting. At this time, Council Member Clarida congratulated Mayor Mann on winning an award at the recent City Vision event. 12) ADJOURNMENT Vickie Pait MOVED to approve the adjournment of tonight's meeting. Jimmy Clarida SECONDED the motion. VOTE: 6-0 (Unanimous) Yeas: 6 (Terry Mann, Kevin Williamson, Jimmy Clarida, Tim Collier, Joshua Harris, Vickie Pait) Nays: 0 Absent: 1 (Helen B Holden) 4 LL EL Terry L. Mann, MAYOR o olhen cOsu - Gon Heather Dowless, CITY CLERK httne lhwhi a ville ne cor m/Minut itecV /iewer nhn?clin id=307Rdoc Ode-3 ARLTARAmXOaNONN 5/5