City Council

TOWN OF PINE LEVEL MINUTES OF REGULAR BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING FEBRUARY 8, 2021 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Jeff Holt called the regular meeting of the Pine Level Board of Commissioners to order at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 8, 2021 at the Pine Level Town Hall. ROLL CALL √ Mayor Jeff Holt √ Commissioner Greg Baker √ Commissioner Jimmy Garner √ Commissioner Phil Pittman √ Commissioner Bill Radford Staff Present: Police Chief Ashley Woodard, Recreation Coordinator/Zoning Administrator Scottie Hayes, Public Works Director Ray Stuckey, Consultant Dan Simmons, Assistant Clerk Ashley Willoughby, and Town Clerk Connie Capps. Others Present: Austin Eubanks. Andrew Hodge, Richard D. Braswell, Fire Dept. President Greg Johnson, Planning Board members Randy Jones, Terry Rains, and Kevin Kornegay. INVOCATION: Mayor Holt PLEDGE: Terry Rains AGENDA Motion to approve: Commissioner Greg Baker Second: Commissioner Bill Radford Vote: Unanimous MINUTES- January 11, 2021 Motion to Approve: Commissioner Phil Pittman Second: Commissioner Jimmy Garner Vote: Unanimous PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Holt welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked if anyone had any comments. Terry Rains said everyone was doing a good job. PUBLIC HEARING ON REZONING REQUEST FOR PINECREST SUBDIVISION A motion was made by Commissioner Bill Radford to close the regular meeting in order to hold two public hearings, (1) for the purpose of a rezoning request filed by Richard D. Braswell for Pinecrest Subdivision and (2) for the annexation of Pinecrest Subdivision. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Greg Baker. The motion passed by unanimous vote. Mayor Holt stated the public hearing on the rezoning request had been advertised on January 13, 2021 and January 20, 2021, and also placed on the town’s website. He also stated the adjacent property owners had been notified. He said Mr. Braswell was requesting to rezone the property on Pinecrest Road Tax ID#12014010B and Tax ID#12014010D from RA (Residential- Agricultural) to RH (Residential Housing). Mayor Holt stated that the board had received a recommendation from the Planning Board to rezone the property from RA (Residential- Agricultural) to RS (Residential-Subdivision). He asked if there were any comments or discussion. Since there was none, Commissioner Garner made a motion to accept the planning board’s recommendation to rezone Pinecrest Subdivision to RS (Residential-Subdivision). Commissioner Phil Pittman seconded the motion. The motion passed by unanimous vote. The public hearing was declared closed by a motion from Commissioner Jimmy Garner and seconded by Commissioner Bill Radford. PUBLIC HEARING ON ANNEXATION REQUEST FOR PINECREST SUBDIVISION Mayor Holt stated the second public hearing was for considering annexation for Pinecrest Subdivision, owned by Richard D. Braswell. Commissioner Greg Baker made a motion to open the second public hearing and Commissioner Bill Radford seconded the motion. The motion passed by unanimous vote. Mayor Holt stated that Mr. Braswell was requesting annexation for Pinecrest Subdivision on Pinecrest Road SR#2324. He said the application and map has been presented and the clerk has done her job in researching the petition and advertising the public hearing on January 13, 2021 and January 20, 2021. He asked for any comments or questions concerning the annexation request. Since there was none, Commissioner Greg Baker made a motion to close the public hearing and Commissioner Bill Radford seconded the motion. The hearing was declared closed. Commissioner Phil Pittman then made a motion to annex the property and Commissioner Jimmy Garner seconded the motion. The motion passed by unanimous vote. Attorney Chip Hewett commented that the annexation ordinance that the board has needs to be corrected to include the small two-acre parcel in the corner of the map. He said that both Tract 1 ID#12014010B and Tract 2 ID#12014010D should be recombined. He said therefore the annexation ordinance would need to be corrected to state the new metes and bounds description after combining the two tracts of land. He mentioned that the annexation application states that the map should be in the form suitable for recording. He said he had contacted Mr. Braswell concerning the map and Mr. Braswell stated that he has the map in his possession and would provide a map subject to approval and recording. Mayor Holt asked if the board approve the annexation request with the conditions stated and Attorney Hewett stated the board could do so with an effective date of February 8, 2021. A motion was made by Commissioner Baker to adopt the annexation ordinance with the conditions stated by the attorney and seconded by Commissioner Bill Radford. The motion passed by unanimous vote. Attorney Chip Hewett said he would get with Mr. Braswell on correcting the metes and bounds for the property. AUDIT REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2019-JUNE 30, 2020 Mayor Holt next introduced and welcomed Austin Eubanks from the firm of S.P. Douglas & Associates from Lumberton, NC. Mr. Eubanks stated that he appreciated the opportunity to audit the Town of Pine Level. Mr. Eubanks presented the audit report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020. He said the audit was completed on December 31, 2020 and sent to the Local Government Commission on January 20, 2021. He thanked Marla Ashworth, Connie Capps, and Billie Kay Twigg for everything being organized and said everything went smoothly. He reviewed and discussed several graphs with the board and stated the Town of Pine Level was in good shape. He stated the “Highlight of the Audit” was the slide on “Number of Months in Reserves”. He said this graph basically breaks down the cash and fund balance the town has in the General Fund that the town could operate if they did not collect any revenues. He said the Town of Pine Level could operate eight months. He stated the State requirement is two months. Mr. Eubanks said this shows the Town of Pine Level has been very responsible and is in very good shape financially. Mayor Holt asked the board if they had any questions or comments for Mr. Eubanks. Commissioner Greg Baker stated that he had been on the board for six years and this audit presentation has been the best. Commissioner Baker made a motion to accept the audit as presented. Commissioner Bill Radford seconded the motion. The motion passed by unanimous vote. The board thanked Mr. Eubanks and his firm for doing a great job. COMMITTEE REPORTS PLANNING BOARD Mayor Holt stated Agenda Item #8 was for the town board to call for two public hearings to be held on March 8th to consider a Special Use Permit for Emily’s Gardens Subdivision and Country Store Road Subdivision. Planning Board Chairman Randy Jones was present and said the developers needed more time on their plans; therefore, they delayed in presenting their plans to the planning board for review until February 25 th, and said there was no need to call for the public hearings at this time. Mayor Holt stated that the Planning Board had also made a recommendation to the town board to place a Moratorium on all future PUDS (Planned Unit Developments) in Pine Level until further notice. Planning Board Chairman Randy Jones stated that it would exclude Emily’s Gardens Subdivision and Country Store Road Subdivision that have recently been submitted. He said by placing a Moratoria on PUDS, it would allow the Planning Board more time for further study and also in updating their zoning ordinance to comply with the 160D requirements that will become effective July 1, 2021. He said the Planning Board had alot on the table right now with the growth. Mayor Holt asked Attorney Chip Hewett if the board could place a Moratorium on PUDS tonight. He said that the board could do so, but would need to go through the process. He said he would research to see if the state had placed any restrictions on Moratoriums. Commissioner Jimmy Garner made a motion to place a Moratorium on PUDS until further notice. Commissioner Bill Radford seconded the motion. The motion passed by unanimous vote. The board agreed there were many things to consider with the number of new homes, such as infrastructure, schools, and extra police. Mayor Holt stated that Leighanna Worley had submitted an application to be appointed on the Planning Board as an ETJ member. He said this appointment is made by the Johnston County Board of Commissioners. He directed the clerk to send a letter to recommend approval of this appointment. Motion to approve: Commissioner Jimmy Garner Second: Commissioner Greg Baker Vote: Unanimous DEPARTMENT REPORTS Water & Sewer Commissioner Phil Pittman gave an update from the Water & Sewer Project meeting held last Thursday. He said the biggest problem was the weather, with so much rain. He told the board that Adam Stuckey’s crew was doing a great job. He reminded the other board members to begin looking at their wish list for their department for the upcoming budget. He said a lift truck was needed for the water and sewer department. Consultant Dan Simmons updated the board on the meetings held concerning the force main and capacity. He said he met with property owners and signed easements so Johnston County could proceed with the bidding on the new force main from the County pump station to across I-95. He said the capacity would be increased along with a new pump station being built by the County that will take the load off of the gravity line that goes into Buffalo Creek pump station. Dan also informed the board they should also be considering the town’s water situation because the well will not produce but so much. POLICE Commissioner Jimmy Garner stated there is a need for more police officers in Pine Level as well as in other towns. He said the police department is compiling a wish list for the upcoming budget which will include two police cars and two more police officers due to future growth. He stated that a new car would cost about $35,000 completed. He said last year it took 18 months to receive a new car, and the oldest car is giving some trouble now. He stated that Chief Woodard has been looking for grants, but has not been successful in finding any. Commissioner Greg Baker asked Connie Capps and Marla Ashworth if they knew anyone the town could contact to look for and apply for grants, not only for the police department, but for infrastructure, recreation etc. Marla stated that she had applied for 50/50 grants for the Town of Princeton’s recreation park and received funding from the state. She suggested the board go through the USDA, recently like the town just purchased the garbage truck. She advised them to apply this year and to combine all items together. Chief Ashley Woodard stated he had obtained a quote on a police car for $30,958.00. After some discussion Commissioner Garner made a motion to purchase a new police car and pay no more than $35,000.00. Commissioner Phil Pittman seconded the motion. The motion passed by a unanimous vote. Mayor Holt stated financing will be determined. STREETS Commissioner Greg Baker asked Public Works Superintendent Ray Stuckey if he had a wish list for the street department. Ray stated there has been a need for a lift truck to pull the sewer pumps. He said it was the easiest and safest way to pull the pumps. Commissioner Baker asked Ray to get quotes on a lift truck and bring to the March meeting to be discussed for the upcoming budget. Commissioner Phil Pittman asked Ray to check to see if there are any used trucks available. RECREATION Commissioner Bill Radford asked Scottie to present his request for Recreation. Scottie reported that registration has started for tee ball, softball and baseball. He also presented the board with a revised application for scheduling the use of the park facilities. He stated the cost to use the facilities did not change, only the wording, “Up to 2 hours” to make it simple for the users and staff. Commissioner Radford also stated he wanted to brag on Scottie for repairing the swings and jungle gym at the park. He also said he was concerned about the condition of the Lions Club shelter. Randy Jones stated that the Lions Club was aware of the needed repairs but COVID interrupted a lot of things the club wanted to do. He stated the club would be making the repairs. Commissioner Greg Baker stated that due to adding more houses, the board should consider the availability for all residents to have places to walk safely at the park. He asked about the town property behind Mr. Edwards home if a walking trail could be considered. Scottie Hayes said the existing walking trail was in good shape and the lighting is good, but we may need to consider more space as the town grows. FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Department President Greg Johnson stated he had nothing to report and everything was good. Mayor Holt stated again that the Fireworks display was great and thanked the fire department for their assistance. STAFF REPORT Town Clerk Connie Capps commended Marla Ashworth, Billie Kay Twigg and Ashley Willoughby for doing a great job. Mayor Holt stated that he was thankful for and appreciated all the town employees and said they were all doing a great job. He said the town has not skipped a beat during this time of COVID. Attorney Chip Hewett stated he would like to thank Mayor Jeff Holt for heading up the “All in Red “Campaign through the Johnston Health Foundation. Mr. Hewett stated he lost his Dad who was 58 years of age due to a massive heart attack, and he wanted to express his appreciation for all that Mayor Jeff Holt was doing for this cause, and that it was a great campaign. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Mayor Holt spoke with the board concerning the rapid growth of Pine Level and the Subdivisions that are now being submitted. He informed the board that the town is going to need some assistance in the area of planning and zoning. He said he had spoken with Mayor Don Rains of Princeton and they will also be needing assistance. He said he had contacted the Triangle J Council of Government and was informed that towns could receive a planning assistant in the form of a paid person through Triangle J to assist with updating zoning ordinances and the new 160D requirements that will become effective on July 1, 2021. He said both towns would benefit by sharing the cost of this person for the hours needed. PASSING OF MR. BILLY WOODARD JR. Mayor Holt stated that one of our oldest citizens passed away a few weeks ago, Mr. Billy Woodard Jr. He said Mr. Woodard was 93 years of age. Mayor Holt read thank you cards sent from his wife, Mrs. Jackie Woodard and daughter Billie Kay Twigg, who is an employee. He said Mr. Woodard’s death was due to a COVID related illness. He said he remembered that Mr. Woodard along with several other citizens in Pine Level donated new items like furniture, a new flag and flag pole, and an information sign in front of the town hall when the new town hall was built. Mr. Woodard and his wife Jackie donated one of the new chairs in the front lobby. Mayor Holt stated Mr. Woodard was a fine man and will be missed. ALL IN RED CAMPAIGN Mayor Jeff Holt said that he wanted to speak about the “All in Red Campaign” that Attorney Hewett was talking about earlier in the meeting. He said this was his second year heading up the fund raiser. He stated the campaign was to create heart health awareness in Johnston County. He said the campaign is the fund-raising arm that is specifically used for heart related illnesses. He said the donations that are received are used to help people in Johnston County, and are being used to fund a mobile unit to service rural areas of Johnston County. He stated that by statistics 46% of people over the age of 18 have heart disease and may not know it. He said every 36 seconds in our country someone dies from heart disease. He also said heart disease can be prevented with a change in eating habits, exercise and less stress. He said it is also inherited. Mayor Holt then gave his testimony concerning heart disease that affected his family and friends. He encouraged everyone to get their physicals every year, quit smoking, change their eating habits, exercise, and stress less. He said he had spoken to Rotary Clubs, Civic Clubs and six municipalities about this important campaign. Mayor Holt said he wanted to THANK EVERYONE for showing their support by wearing red, and the donations that have been made. MEETING ADJOURNED There being no further business to discuss, Commissioner Bill Radford made a motion to adjourn and Commissioner Greg Baker seconded the motion. The meeting ended at 8:25 p.m. Connie N. Capps Town Clerk ______________________________ Jeff Holt, Mayor